| Belle Isle, formally known as Hog Island, was purchased by
the City of Detroit in 1879 and designated it a public park. The following year, 1880, the
City contracted the services of Olmsted to develop the park, and design a plan for
the island. Olmsted's idea was to place a Ferry dock at one end of the island and build up
the area in it's vicinity. From there the island would be transformed into a natural park.
There were canals for pleasure boating and walking paths for people to enjoy the
natural scenery. Much like Mont Royal in Montreal, the singular feeling to Belle Isle, was
to leave the feeling of simplicity and let nature spring out. |