October 28, 1965 Construction Ends on the Gateway Arch

The tallest man-made national monument, the Gateway Arch, represents how St. Louis served as a gateway to the West for settlers. Part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Gateway Arch was designed by Eero Saarinen who won a contest with his design of the arch. The site was chosen because Lewis and Clark left from St. Louis on their expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase. The Louisiana Purchase had been bought by Thomas Jefferson from France. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial includes the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse, and Luther Ely Square. Beneath the Arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion that features exhibits that showcasing St. Louis’ role in westward expansion.

See if you can put these events in order on the timeline page on the next page.

1. Eero Saarinen wins a contest to design the memorial 2. The Museum of Westward Expansion opens 3. The Gateway Arch is designated a National Historic Landmark 4. Lewis and Clark return to St. Louis after concluding the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase 5. The visitors’ center opens, and trams begin to take visitors to the top 6. A Presidential proclamation creates the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, and it becomes a part of the National Park Service 7. The Gateway Arch celebrates its 50th Anniversary 8. Groundbreaking for the Arch begins in St. Louis 9. Lewis and Clark leave from the St. Louis area to explore the Louisiana Purchase 10. The Gateway Arch is completed 11. The idea for a memorial was conceived by Luther Ely Smith 12. Work is completed on the Grand Staircase 13. Construction begins on the Arch

1804

1806

1933

1935

1948

1959

1963

1965

1967

1976

1987

2003

2015

Lewis and Clark leave from the St. Louis area to explore the Louisiana Purchase 1804 Lewis and Clark return to St. Louis after concluding the exploration of the Louisiana 1806 Purchase The idea for a memorial was conceived by Luther Ely Smith 1933 A Presidential proclamation creates the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, and it 1935 becomes a part of the National Park Service Eero Saarinen wins a contest to design the memorial 1948

1959 Groundbreaking for the Arch begins in St. Louis

Construction begins on the Arch 1963

1965 The Gateway Arch is completed The visitors’ center opens, and trams begin to take visitors to the top 1967

1976 The Museum of Westward Expansion opens The Gateway Arch is designated a National Historic Landmark 1987

2003 Work is completed on the Grand Staircase The Gateway Arch celebrates its 50th Anniversary 2015