May 2022, St. Louis, MO

The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. In addition, the park memorializes Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, the pioneers who helped shape its history, and Dred Scott, who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse. The park is small, only 91 acres, along the Mississippi River.

We took the tram ride to the top (630 ft. up) of the arch, the tallest monument in the US (located in its smallest National Park!) The museum underneath the arch was also interesting, divided into six periods that traced the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. We thoroughly enjoyed 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, the award-winning film that documents the construction of the Arch. It gave a sense of the fantastic talents that went into making what seemed like an unlikely project to succeed.

The grounds were beautifully landscaped, green, and lush, and we walked the 1.8-mile loop on quite a beautiful afternoon.

The next afternoon, we enjoyed a different perspective as we took a narrated riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River….providing background on some St. Louis history, past and present.

Part of the park is the Old Court House, where some of the most pivotal court cases in American history were heard…….the enslaved Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom, and Virginia Minor fought for women’s right to vote. Unfortunately, the courthouse was closed for renovation. Overall, though, it was an excellent visit!!!