#192: Gateway Arch

 *PUBLIC VOTE WINNER*

When people generally think of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch usually comes to mind. It is without question that is the reason St. Louis continues to live up to its nickname, 'Gateway to the West'!

And now, a little history about St. Louis' most known treasure. It was first conceived in the late 40s by architect Euro Saarinen, who won a contest about designing a monument to commemorate Western pioneers. Even though Saarinen passed away in 1961, his arch idea and layout was still considered to be erected on St. Louis' Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park. Ground broke in February 1963, and on October 28, 1965, it was completed. The project cost $15 million.

The Gateway Arch stands 630 feet high. It also has foundations that are sunk 60 feet into the ground! It is said that the Arch can withstand high winds and earthquakes, should they ever happen.
More facts:

• The tallest arch in the world.
• The tallest man-made monument in the United States
• Missouri's tallest accessible building
• The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has ruled that any aviator flying through the Arch would be fined and have their licenses taken away. At least ten have disobeyed the order. 

Several million (usually an average 4 mil) visitors from around the world visit the Gateway Arch per year. The entrances (both north and south) stoop down underground. There, visitors can tour the Jefferson Memorial Expansion museum, and get their tickets to the top of the Arch. Photo ops are also available. An internal tram system transports the people to the top, usually at 5 minutes.

Entrance to the tram from the bottom. Make sure you're not claustrophobic

And here's the sign once you get to the top!

Just people enjoying and looking at the views from the top

The amazing views from the top. You know I can't leave these out!:

It's very hard to believe that next year (2015) will be the 50th anniversary of the Arch's dedication. Though it seems a lot longer, it has only been half-a-century this landmark has existed. Just about everyone has seen the Arch in TV shows and movies. Next year, the city will be celebrating in style as the arch grounds are currently being renovated to make the attraction more tourist-friendly. Visit cityarchriver.com for more details. 

Back side of the cake

Right side of the cake

Left side of the cake

Wikipedia link
Official website

100 Washington Ave., ST. LOUIS, MO, 63102
Cake artist: Andy Cross