Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Gateway Arch)

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse. Missouri was known as the Gateway to the West during the expansion westward: Louis and Clark began and ended their journeys here, and covered wagon travelers knew it as the last of citified habitation before their ride through the wilderness. The Gateway Arch, at 630-feet, is the tallest constructed monument in the world. The park offers tram rides to the top, documentary film, giant screen experience features museum and store. 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 sunken 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds. It sways up to one 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. Acreage: 90.96. 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. 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 the Dred Scott case were held in 1847 and 1850. Today, the building houses a museum charting the history of the city of St. Louis and restored courtrooms.