Why the Gateway Arch Remains America’s Iconic Landmark

Landmarks across the country serve as reminders of our nation’s past and as tributes to those who helped build it. One landmark in Missouri, in particular, is considered among the most important in the United States.

Design and Construction of the Gateway Arch

No surprise here, the St. Louis Gateway Arch is one of 51 landmarks recognized as the most significant in the country. From its early idea inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision to its completion in 1965, the Gateway Arch stands as a powerful symbol of westward expansion and the movement of American settlers during the 1800s.

It’s also the tallest monument in the U.S., standing 630 feet high, and just as wide.

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Visitor Experience: Museum, Tram Ride & Park Upgrades

Over the years, the Arch has undergone several upgrades, but none as extensive as the one that began in 2015. That project included a groundbreaking redesign and expansion of the Visitor Center and Museum beneath the Arch. The new park was completed in 2016, and in 2018, it was officially renamed from the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to Gateway Arch National Park.

I’ve visited the museum myself, and it’s truly fascinating to learn about how the Arch was built and the vision behind it, to represent opportunity and new beginnings for early American settlers. Having such an iconic landmark so close to us is pretty incredible.

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If you haven’t been, make it a point to visit at least once. Explore the park, learn the history, and if you’re feeling brave, take the tram ride to the top; it’s a remarkable, one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget.