When Was Gateway Arch National Park Established?
Gateway Arch National Park, one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States was established on February 22, 2018. It has a unique and evolving history that reflects America’s westward expansion and the spirit of exploration. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the park commemorates several significant moments in American history, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the nation’s growth westward.
Origins: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
The area that is now Gateway Arch National Park was originally designated as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on December 21, 1935. This designation came through an executive order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The purpose of the memorial was to honor Thomas Jefferson’s role in the westward expansion of the United States and to preserve the historical significance of St. Louis as the “Gateway to the West.”
The project was part of a broader initiative during the Great Depression to create jobs and stimulate the economy through public works. In the years that followed, plans were made to design a monument that would symbolize this expansionist spirit.
Construction of the Gateway Arch
In 1947–48, a national design competition was held to choose the centerpiece of the memorial. Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen won with his striking design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch, a bold and modern representation of the “gateway” concept.
Construction of the Gateway Arch began in 1963 and was completed in 1965. The arch officially opened to the public on June 10, 1967. Over time, it became one of the most recognizable structures in the United States and a powerful symbol of progress and possibility.
Redesignation as a National Park
After decades as a national memorial, the site was elevated to the status of a national park. On February 22, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Gateway Arch National Park Designation Act, officially redesignating the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial as Gateway Arch National Park.
This made it the 60th national park in the United States. The change in designation was intended to better reflect the site’s significance as both a national monument and a cultural landmark. However, the move also sparked some debate among conservationists and park enthusiasts, as the park is considerably smaller and more urban than most traditional national parks.
Gateway Arch National Park Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 21, 1935 | Jefferson National Expansion Memorial established by Executive Order. |
| 1947–1948 | National design competition held; Eero Saarinen’s arch design selected. |
| February 12, 1963 | Construction of the Gateway Arch begins. |
| October 28, 1965 | Construction of the Gateway Arch is completed. |
| June 10, 1967 | The Gateway Arch officially opens to the public. |
| February 22, 2018 | Jefferson National Expansion Memorial redesignated as Gateway Arch National Park. |