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Culture & Lifestyle • Landmark

Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument in St.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument in St. Louis, Missouri, and the tallest monument in the United States. Designed by Eero Saarinen, it commemorates Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States. The arch is widely recognized as a symbol of St. Louis and the American West.

History

The Gateway Arch was conceived as a monument to westward expansion and to Thomas Jefferson’s role in shaping the United States. It was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1947, construction began in 1963, and the structure was completed in 1965.

Design and engineering

The arch is a weighted catenary curve made of stainless steel and stands 630 feet tall. Its shape and engineering were intended to create a stable, visually distinctive landmark on the St. Louis riverfront.

Gateway Arch National Park

The monument is the centerpiece of Gateway Arch National Park, which also includes the Old Courthouse and museum spaces. The site was formerly known as Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

Visitor experience

The Arch is a major tourist attraction with tram access to the top and exhibits about its construction and westward expansion history. It is located on the downtown St. Louis riverfront.

Key facts

  • The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States, at 630 feet.
  • It was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
  • Construction began in 1963 and was completed in 1965.
  • The monument is part of Gateway Arch National Park, formerly Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
  • Visitors can ride a tram to the top for views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
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Canadian context

The Gateway Arch is a major North American landmark often studied in Canadian classrooms for its architecture, symbolism, and connection to the history of continental expansion.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Gateway Arch?
It is a 630-foot stainless steel monument in St. Louis, Missouri, and a major symbol of the city.
Who designed the Gateway Arch?
It was designed by architect Eero Saarinen.
When was the Gateway Arch completed?
Construction was completed in 1965, and it opened to the public in 1967.
Why was the Gateway Arch built?
It was built to commemorate Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States.
Is the Gateway Arch part of a national park?
Yes. It is the centerpiece of Gateway Arch National Park, formerly Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

References

  1. Gateway Arch National Park / Gateway Arch website —
    Supports: Height, location, purpose, park affiliation, and visitor information.
  2. National Park Service —
    Supports: Tallest monument status, symbolism, designer, and historical context.
  3. Encyclopedia-style secondary sources —
    Supports: Completion date, design details, and general historical background.