The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch, one of the newest monuments in the National Park system -- and its tallest --
is a 630-foot catenary Arch made of stainless steel.
The Arch is 75 feet taller than the
Washington Monument and more than twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
There are a Museum, two movie theatres and exhibits underneath the Arch,
and also a tram system in each leg which delivers visitors to the top for
stunning views of the city.
The Arch and the nearby Old Courthouse make up
the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
The 40-passenger tram system of eight five-passenger capsules
in each leg takes visitors on a four-minute trip to the top.
Plate-glass windows at the top provide views that on a good
day can stretch 30 miles to the east and 30 miles to the west.
The Gateway Arch commemorates the Louisiana Purchase and the
westward expansion of the United States. It also symbolizes St.
Louis' role as the Gateway to the West.
Location: St. Louis Riverfront, downtown
Gateway Arch and Reflecting Pool