The Gateway Arch

Forty blocks were demolished between 1939 and 1942 to make room for the memorial; the courthouse and old cathedral remained. Saarinen’s design was selected unanimously in the competition’s second stage, which attracted 172 architects. He died in 1961, before construction began. The Arch was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, with Hannskarl Bandel as structural engineer. It was raised from two sides, which were joined by a keystone. Saarinen envisioned a wooded park as a green retreat from downtown.

1. 1933Luther Ely Smith proposed a riverfront monument to revive the area and stimulate the local economy.
2. 1935President Roosevelt established the memorial by executive order on 21 December.
3. 1961The first groundbreaking took place on 11 February.
4. 1963Steel construction began on 12 February, with the first triangle placed on the south leg.
5. 1965The Arch was completed on 28 October.