Olmstead Jr.'s Reforestation
“On 9 September 1931, the Roosevelt Memorial Association (RMA) purchased the island as a living memorial to the former president. On 21 may 1932, congress officially renamed Analostan as Roosevelt Island, and less than a year later changed the name to Theodore Roosevelt island. On 27 October 1932, the RMA conveyed the island to the federal government, and the National Park Service (NPS) assumed jurisdiction in 1933. the RMA, however, retained planning rights for the development of the island, and in May 1932, hired the prominent landscape architecture firm of Olmsted brothers, headed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., to prepare plans and supervise on-site work. while Olmsted jr.'s long-term vision was the establishment of a climax forest on the island, he also recognized the need for visitor amenities and support services. although this map represents his definitive plan for the island's development, most of the improvements shown here were never actually carried out. however, the island's original trail system closely followed this scheme, NPS ferries began operating near the site of the proposed north boat landing in 1953, and the comfort station was constructed in 1955.” — Anne E. Kidd, HABS