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Jefferson
National Expansion Memorial
National Park Service
U. S. Department of the Interior
11 North 4th Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63102
314-655-1700
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in
St. Louis, Missouri consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of
Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse.
Gateway
Arch | Museum of Westward
Expansion
Old Courthouse | Hours
of Operation
Gateway Arch
During a nation-wide competition in 1947, architect Eero Saarinen's
inspired design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen as
a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction
of the Arch began
in 1963, and was completed on October 28, 1965, for a total cost
of less than $15 million. The Arch has foundations sunk 45 feet
into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high
winds; it sways up to 1 inch in a 20 mph wind, and is built to sway
up to 18 inches. Fees are charged to ride the unique tram system
to the top.
Museum of Westward Expansion
The Museum of Westward
Expansion, located below the Arch, is as large as a football
field and contains an extensive collection of artifacts, mounted
animal specimens, an authentic American Indian tipi, and an overview
of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Old Courthouse
Located just two blocks west of the Arch, the Old
Courthouse is one of the oldest standing buildings in St. Louis,
begun in 1839. It was here that the first two trials of Dred Scott
for his freedom were held in 1847 and 1850. Today, the building
houses a museum charting the history of the city of St. Louis and
restored courtrooms.
Hours of Operation
The Gateway Arch and Museum of Westward Expansion
are open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer months,
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter. Fees are charged on a per-event
basis.
The Old Courthouse is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
Additional information is available upon
request; call 314-655-1700.
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