| Park History
Built in the 1860s to serve a rapidly growing urban population, Prospect Park is now a unique piece of living history. Visit the links at the left of your screen and below to explore the evolution of today’s Prospect Park.
View our timeline for a quick overview of the Park's history. The historic places section shows how Park destinations have evolved to serve the public's changing needs. Our online archival exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. A page dedicated to Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux explores their revolutionary philosophy of landscape architecture, as well as the impact of successive generations of architects on the Park. Finally, our online bibliography is a resource for those who wish to learn more about the Park.
 Grand Army Plaza entrance - Bob Levine Collection |