The Tallest Arch In The World, Missouri’s Gateway Arch Was A True Feat Of Engineering
By Beth Price-Williams|Published June 24, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Missouri’s Gateway Arch draws visitors from all over the world – and for good reason. Perhaps one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, the Gateway Arch is a true feat of engineering and the world’s tallest arch. Visitors to St. Louis flock to the landmark that’s flanked by Gateway Arch National Park and features a museum, where you can learn more about this engineering marvel before traveling to the top for some of the best views in Missouri.
St. Louis's Gateway Arch boasts a storied history that begins in 1935 when then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt identified the waterfront area as the sight of the now-Gateway Arch National Park.
The building of the park and the Arch meant demolishing 40 city blocks. It wasn't until 1947 however, that an architect was chosen to design the Missouri landmark.
A competition was held to determine who would design what would become the icon landmark. Architect Eero Saarinen, who also competed against his own father, won.
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The tallest Arch in the world stands at 630 feet tall and is equally wide at 630 feet. Math played an important role in creating the design of the Arch and, when building, the measurements had to be exact.
The two legs, which were build separately, had to be precise in measurement to ensure they could come together at the top of the arch. Any measuring mistakes of more than half of a centimeter could be disastrous.
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Made from stainless steel in Pennsylvania, the parts of the Gateway Arch were then sent by rail to St. Louis to be assembled. The Arch was built without safety nets and, surprisingly, no one died during the construction process between 1963 and 1965.
While the Arch has stairs for maintenance and for use during emergencies, visitors journey to the top via a tram. Interestingly, the designer of the tram had no engineering experience.
Visitors today can stroll along a scenic trail at the park surrounding the Arch before heading indoors to learn more about this Missouri landmark's rich history.
While some were sure the Arch would collapse, it was built to withstand even an earthquake. The Arch earned its due as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Have you been to Missouri’s Gateway Arch? Share your experience in the comments! If you’re up for more adventure, hit the road on this road trip to seven Missouri landmarks.
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