On this spot monumental dreams came to life.
Date Created: Gateway Arch National Park was redesignated from the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on February 22, 2018.
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Size: The park itself is relatively small in terms of acreage, encompassing about 90 acres. However, it is centered around the iconic Gateway Arch, a monument that stands 630 feet tall and symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States.
This is the smallest national park in the country – 91 acres. The Gateway Arch was designed by Eero Saarinen to commemorate the important role that St Louis played in the western expansion and growth of America. The astonishing stainless steel 630 foot high structure, 65 story tram to the top, atrium, underground museum, theater and reflecting pool are located in the heart of St Louis. Personally I struggle with the designation as a national park as it doesn’t quite fit with the other preserved areas protected from human expansion. Regardless – the visit is a chance to eat amazing barbecue and visit local historical sites.
