?Hmteb States botanic <§arben 



245 Jf irst Street, &3S 

 Mlaafjington, BC 20024 



Botanic gardens in the modern sense have played an important role in the 

 history of civilization since the first one was founded in the sixteenth 

 century. The United States Botanic Garden is no exception. With a 

 history that parallels the development of this country, it is the oldest 

 continually operating botanic garden in the United States. 



This volume is a fascinating chronicle of the development of the institution 

 now known as the United States Botanic Garden. The idea of a national 

 botanic garden started with the Columbian Institute and was revived by the 

 Wilkes Exploring Expedition. In an age where adventures have become 

 commonplace, it is necessary to appreciate the courage of the early 

 explorers like Charles Wilkes. Their true risk-taking brought botanic 

 curiosities to the attention of the nation through the U.S. Botanic Garden, 

 which maintains some of the original collections. 



Appreciation goes to Karen Solit, the author of the original manuscript, and 

 to the staff of the Congressional Research Service, the Curator's Office for 

 the Architect of the Capitol, and the U.S. Botanic Garden, who assisted in 

 the preparation of the text. Unless otherwise credited, the photographs are 

 from the records of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol. 



As we approach the 175th anniversary of the founding of the United States 

 Botanic Garden, this document gives us a perspective on the past and 

 renewed dedication to the future of this special public resource. 



•Qegfge M. White, FAIA 

 Architect of the Capitol 

 Acting Director, U.S. Botanic Garden 



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