11 N. 4th Street
Saint Louis, Missouri
314-655-1600
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Saint Louis, the Gateway Arch National Park (previously known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial) was established in 1935 to commemorate the westward growth of the United States between 1803 and 1890. The park was established to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase, the subsequent westward movement of American explorers and pioneers, the first civil government west of the Mississippi River, and the debate over slavery raised by the Dred Scott case. The complex consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and Saint Louis' Old Courthouse.
The Gateway Arch, the nation’s tallest memorial, has come to symbolize the city of Saint Louis. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, this stainless steel structure rises 630 feet high and spans 630 feet at ground level with construction beginning in 1961 and being completed in 1965. The Underground Visitor Center contains the Museum of Westward Expansion, the Tucker Theatre, the Odyssey Theatre, and the Levee Mercantile. Two unique passenger trams take visitors to the observation room at the top of the Arch where on a clear day visitors can see up to 30 miles.
The Museum of Westward Expansion is as large as a football field and follows a circular pattern with galleries depicting a 100-year span of westward expansion. The Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts, mounted animal specimens, an authentic American Indian tipi, the American Indian Peace Medal Exhibit (photo left,) and history is retold through the voices of life-like animatronic figures. A chronological overview of the of the Lewis and Clark Expedition rings the outer edge of the museum.
Located just two blocks west of the Arch is the Old Courthouse, one of the oldest standing buildings in Saint Louis. It was here that the first two trials of the Dred Scott case were held in 1847 and 1850. Today, the building features four rooms documenting the history of the Saint Louis area with artifacts from the era and large photographs. A theatre features a film entitled "Gateway to the West" that traces the history of Saint Louis from its origin as a fur trading post to the center of commerce it is today. Two historic courtrooms on the second floor (photo left) have been restored using original and reproduction furniture. The National Park Service often conducts mock trials, including the Dred Scott trial, at the Old Courthouse with visitors from the audience playing key roles in the reenactment.
Visiting the Gateway Arch National Park
Visiting Hours
Memorial Day - Labor Day: 8 am to 10 pm daily
Winter Hours: 9 am - 6 pm
There is no charge to visit to visit the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
Use the official site of the Gateway Arch National Park to find the answers to the questions about the Gateway Arch National Park that you may have.
