America 250: St. Louis Arch

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, stands as a lasting tribute to America’s expansion to the West.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Completed in 1965, it stands 630 feet tall and has welcomed visitors for more than 60 years. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, the Arch is an internationally recognized symbol of St. Louis. It was built to commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision and the city’s role in westward expansion. The structure weighs more than 17,000 tons and rises roughly 63 stories above downtown. Today, it stands as a lasting tribute to America’s expansion to the West.