St. Louis' Gateway Arch rivals the monuments of the world in its
simplicity, scale, elegance, and symbolism. The shimmering,
stainless-steel ribbon forms a catenary arch 630 feet tall and 630 feet
across at its base. Its design amazed the civic leaders determined to
construct a great monument on the St. Louis riverfront. When it was
completed, it wowed not just St. Louisans, not just Americans, but also
visitors from around the world.
Its sleek geometric design and engineering was a creation of the Space
Age, but the Arch was a monument to America's frontier heritage. The
Gateway Arch commemorated St. Louis' riverfront as the Gateway to the
West.
Historic Photos of the Gateway Arch chronicles the St. Louis
riverfront from its days as a fur-trading post, to the creation of the
Arch. From clearing the site to welding the first section into place, to
the breathtaking moment of inserting the keystone--the photos tell the
story.