Today In History

"Gateway to the West" Opens to us all St. Louis, Missouri October 28, 1965 An estimated 10,000 people gathered on the grounds along with tens of thousands of curious onlookers gazing out their windows in their office buildings downtown turned out to witness the completion of the Arch. Architect Eero Saarinen's inspired design for a 630 foot high stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction of the Arch began in 1963 and was completed today. Saarinen's widow, Aline, was in attendance today, and she gushed out loud, "Look at that sexy curve!" The ceremony stopped abruptly when everyone noticed all at once that the final section was being lifted in to position. The crowds cheered, whistles blew, and the city rejoiced. The topping out went perfectly. The last piece just slipped in there with no problems at all. It had an American flag on it, fluttering in the breeze and the sunshine and the band played on.