Gateway Arch
A huge, shiny arch in St. Louis, Missouri, that honors the pioneers who moved west across America. You can ride a tiny train to the top and see the whole city!
What is it?
The Gateway Arch is a 192-meter-tall (630 feet) monument made of stainless steel. It is the tallest arch in the world. It was built between 1963 and 1965. The arch was designed by a Finnish-American architect named Eero Saarinen.
Who built it and why?
The arch was built to remember Thomas Jefferson, the president who bought a huge piece of land called the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. This land doubled the size of the United States. The arch is a symbol of the westward expansion, when people traveled west to explore and settle new lands.
When and where?
The Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis, Missouri, on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was built in the 1960s, but it honors events from the 1800s.
How does it work?
The arch is shaped like a catenary curve, which is the same shape a hanging chain makes. This shape makes it very strong. Inside, a special tram takes visitors to the top. The tram is like a tiny train with egg-shaped cars that tilt as they go up.
What does it tell us?
The arch tells us that Americans were proud of their history of exploration and growth. It also shows how architects can use math and engineering to create beautiful structures.
Compared to today
Today, we have tall buildings and monuments, but the Gateway Arch is still one of the most unique. It is not a building you can live in; it is a symbol. Modern architects still study its design.
Connections
Next to find
- Find another monument that is shaped like an arch or a curve.
- Look for a building made of stainless steel near your home.
- Visit a museum about the pioneers who traveled west.
圣路易斯拱门
密苏里州圣路易斯市的一座巨大闪亮拱门，纪念向西穿越美国的开拓者。你可以乘坐小火车到顶部，看到整个城市！
这是什么？
圣路易斯拱门是一座高192米（630英尺）的不锈钢纪念碑。它是世界上最高的拱门。建于1963年至1965年间。拱门由芬兰裔美国建筑师埃罗·沙里宁设计。
谁建造的，为什么？
拱门是为了纪念托马斯·杰斐逊总统，他在1803年购买了一大片土地，称为路易斯安那购地。这片土地使美国面积翻倍。拱门是西部拓展的象征，当时人们向西旅行探索和定居新土地。
何时何地？
圣路易斯拱门位于密苏里州圣路易斯市，密西西比河畔。建于1960年代，但纪念的是1800年代的事件。
它是如何工作的？
拱门形状像悬链线曲线，与悬挂链条的形状相同。这种形状使其非常坚固。内部，一辆专用电车将游客带到顶部。电车像一列小火车，有蛋形车厢，上升时会倾斜。
它告诉我们什么？
拱门告诉我们，美国人对他们的探索和成长历史感到自豪。它也展示了建筑师如何利用数学和工程创造美丽的结构。
与今天相比
今天，我们有高楼和纪念碑，但圣路易斯拱门仍然是最独特的之一。它不是可以居住的建筑，而是一个象征。现代建筑师仍在研究它的设计。
关联
下一步寻找
- 找到另一个拱形或曲线形状的纪念碑。
- 在你家附近找找不锈钢建筑。
- 参观一个关于向西旅行开拓者的博物馆。