Jefferson Expansion National Memorial

How to Get to Jefferson National Expansion Memorial:

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial & Gateway Arch is located in the heart of downtown Saint Louis on the Mississippi River. Interstate routes 44, 55, 64, and 70 converge near the park.

Park Size:

91 acres

Description:

This park on Saint Louis' Mississippi riverfront memorializes Thomas Jefferson and others who directed territorial expansion of the United States. Eero Saarinen's prize-winning, stainless steel gateway arch commemorates westward pioneers. Visitors may ascend the 630-foot-high arch. In the nearby courthouse, Dred Scott sued for freedom in the historic slavery case.

Things to Do at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial:

Visitors to the Gateway Arch can tour the Museum of Westward Expansion, ride the tram to the top, and watch the movies <i>Gateway to the West</i> and <i>Monument to the Dream</i>. 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 contains restored courtrooms, information on the Dred Scott case, and a museum and film charting the history of the city of St. Louis.

Operating Hours:

The Gateway Arch is open daily from 8am-10pm Memorial Day through Labor Day (summer hours) and from 9am-6pm the remainder of the year. Park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years day. The Old Courthouse is open daily from 8am-4:30pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years Day.

History:

The National Memorial was designated on December 21, 1935. During a nation-wide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen's design for a stainless steel arch was chosen. Construction of the Arch began in 1963, and was completed in 1965.

Contact Information:

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
11 N. 4th St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
314-655-1700