Rosemary Inn: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Olympic National Park, National Park Service

Dolan, Susan

From the Executive Summary: "The Cultural Landscapes Inventory (CLI) is a comprehensive inventory of all historically significant landscapes within the National Park System. This evaluated inventory identifies and documents each landscape's location, physical development, significance, National Register of Historic Places eligibility, condition, as well as other valuable information for park management. Inventoried landscapes are listed on, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places, or otherwise treated as cultural resources." This CLI is for Rosemary Inn, a landscape within a developed area of the Olympic National Park. The inn, which operated from 1914 to 1943, is representative of turn-of-the-century "wilderness resort" development at Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula. The remaining landscape characteristics of the historic site typify the recreational resorts of the era. Rosemary Inn is located on Barnes Point, a relatively level point extending into Lake Crescent. The landscape is surrounded by a dense coniferous rainforest and mountains. Rosemary Inn is regionally significant for its design and construction, standing as only one of two remaining examples of early 20th-century wilderness resorts at Lake Crescent. Additionally, its character displays its association with recreation and resort development in the Olympic National Park, as the landscape quickly developed to include guest cabins, a lodge, ornamental garden, and other features for the pleasure of visitors. It also has association to individuals important in the park's history, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The property was sold to National Park Concessions, Inc. in 1943 after the creation of the Olympic National Park, but the loging operation never resumed. It is currently used as an educational institute, contributing to changes and enhancements. Although specific elements have been altered since its time of operation and significance, the spatial relationships, use of native materials, and connection to the surrounding lanscape continue to convey its historic character. Many of the structures and features remain and have been rehabilitated over the years.

Rosemary Inn: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Olympic National Park, National Park Service

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