The "Gateway to the West" - a St. Louis icon
Built in 1965 as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States, the Gateway Arch is the tallest memorial in the US and the iconic image of St. Louis. Its location marks the site of St. Louis’ founding on the west bank of the Mississippi River and, at 630ft tall and wide, it’s the tallest stainless steel monument in the world. Best known as the “Gateway to the West,” the design was the result of a 1947 architectural competition won by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinin and German-American structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel. Today, more than four million visitors a year ride the tram to the observation area at the top of the Arch where 32 windows showcase views of up to 30 miles on a clear day.
Plan your own Round the World Trip!
Sponsors
I'm Jenny McIver, career girl, globetrotter. On New Year's Day, 2005, a newspaper article about a man who took a trip around the world sparked a wanderlust in me that has yet to abate. I spent the following year planning my own trip-of-a-lifetime and have since made it into an annual, month-long adventure visiting and writing about more than 130 countries on all 7 continents along the way - all while maintaining a full-time career. Today, my goal is to be that spark of inspiration for others by proving that you can fulfill your wildest travel dreams without quitting your day job.