The Purpose of the St. Louis Arch
The iconic St. Louis Arch is a 630-foot tall monument located in St. Louis, Missouri. It was built as a memorial to Thomas Jefferson and his vision for the westward expansion of the United States. The arch stands as a symbol of the city’s history and its place in the nation’s history.
A Symbol of Westward Expansion
The St. Louis Arch was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965. It is made up of two legs that meet at the top, forming an arch shape. The design was chosen to represent the idea of westward expansion, with each leg representing a different direction: east and west. The arch also serves as a reminder of the importance of exploration and discovery.
A Monument to Thomas Jefferson
The St. Louis Arch is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, who was instrumental in securing the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803. This purchase doubled the size of the United States and opened up new opportunities for exploration and settlement in the West. The arch serves as a reminder of Jefferson’s vision for America and his commitment to expanding its borders.