ourtownny.com reports that when Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed Central Park in the mid-19th century, they thought that having a meadow with grazing sheep would add a pastoral touch. In 1864, they imported 200 pedigreed Southdown (later Dorset) sheep. In addition to being pleasant to look at, the sheep kept the grass trimmed and the lawn fertilized.
They slept in the Victorian-style building known as the “Sheepfold” — better known today as Tavern on the Green. In 1870, a sheep crossing was built across the park’s drive. Twice a day, a shepherd would lead the sheep to and from the meadow. Park-goers were discouraged from venturing into Sheep Meadow itself, but glimpse at the sheep from its perimeter.
Eventually, much of the flock became malformed because of inbreeding. In 1934, the Parks commissioner, Robert Moses, had the sheep transferred to Prospect Park’s Long Meadow, where they joined others of their four-legged kin in residence there. Moses had decided that he wanted the Sheepfold for a new restaurant: Tavern on the Green. To read this artcle in its entirety, along with seeing pictures of the sheep on the meadow, click here.