St. Louis, Missouri is home to many iconic structures that have become synonymous with the city. From its towering arch to its historic bridges, St. Louis is a city rich in architectural history. In this article, we will explore two of the most well-known structures in St. Louis: The Gateway Arch and the Eads Bridge.
Gateway Arch: A Symbol of St. Louis
The Gateway Arch is an iconic symbol of St. Louis and is one of the most recognizable structures in the United States. Standing at 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch is the tallest national monument in the United States. It was completed in 1965 and was designed by architect Eero Saarinen. The Gateway Arch is made of stainless steel and is intended to symbolize the westward expansion of the United States.
Construction of the Gateway Arch
Construction of the Gateway Arch began in 1963 and took two and a half years to complete. To build the arch, a 60-foot deep foundation was poured, and a steel frame was erected. The stainless steel skin of the arch was then added to the frame. The entire structure weighs 43,220 tons.
Importance of the Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is an important symbol of St. Louis and is a popular tourist attraction. It is also a symbol of the city’s role in the westward expansion of the United States. The Gateway Arch is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which commemorates the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The Design of the Gateway Arch
The design of the Gateway Arch is unique and has become an architectural icon. Its sleek, curved shape is intended to symbolize the westward expansion of the United States. The arch is also designed to be viewed from all angles, with no two views of the arch being the same.
Other Notable Buildings in St. Louis
While the Gateway Arch is perhaps the most well-known structure in St. Louis, there are many other notable buildings in the city. One of these is the Old Courthouse, which played a central role in the Dred Scott case. Another is the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, which is known for its stunning mosaics.
The Eads Bridge: A Landmark of St. Louis
The Eads Bridge is another iconic structure in St. Louis. Completed in 1874, it was the first bridge to span the Mississippi River. The Eads Bridge is named after its designer and builder, James B. Eads.
The Construction of the Eads Bridge
The construction of the Eads Bridge was a massive engineering feat. It was built using a combination of steel and wrought iron, and was the first bridge to use cantilever construction. The bridge took seven years to build and cost $10 million.
Significance of the Eads Bridge
The Eads Bridge is significant for several reasons. It was the first bridge to span the Mississippi River and helped to connect the eastern and western United States. It was also a major engineering achievement and set the standard for bridge construction.
The Design of the Eads Bridge
The design of the Eads Bridge is unique and has become an architectural icon. Its curved shape is intended to reduce wind resistance and improve stability. The bridge also features ornate decorations, including eagle sculptures and intricate ironwork.
Conclusion: Iconic Structures of St. Louis
St. Louis is a city with a rich architectural history, and its iconic structures are a testament to that history. The Gateway Arch and the Eads Bridge are just two examples of the many architectural marvels that can be found in St. Louis. These structures are not only symbols of the city, but also of the history and ingenuity of the United States.
References
- "Gateway Arch." National Park Service, .
- "Eads Bridge." National Park Service, .
- "St. Louis’ Most Iconic Buildings and Landmarks." Explore St. Louis, .
