What) The Gateway
Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West, is part of the
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis. Built as a
monument to the westward expansion of the United States, it
has become the city's iconic image. The Arch was designed by
architect Eero Saarinen and structural
engineer Hannskarl Bandel in 1947. It is 630 feet (192 m) wide
at its base and stands 630 feet (192 m) tall, making it the
tallest monument in the United States. Construction
started on February 12, 1963 and ended on October 28, 1965.
The Arch is hollow and contains a unique tram system that brings visitors to an observation deck at the top. The interior also contains two stairwells of 1,076 steps each for use in emergencies. Near the top of the arch, the rider exits the compartment and climbs a slight grade to enter the arched observation area. Thirty-two windows (16 per side) measuring 7 by 27 inches allow views across the Mississippi River. On a clear day, one can see up to 30 miles (48 km). (1)
Where)
Parking is located at 100 Washington Avenue and is $4.00 per
car while a tram ride costs $10 per adult with an internet
coupon.
Why) I knew
that I would never convince Pam to take a tram ride up to the
top of the arch but I have wanted to see the arch itself for a
while now. This was one of those can't skip Buckys for
me. 
At first glance she did not realize what she was looking at but once she did that was enough to make her queasy. (2)
In case you didn't get it, the previous picture was taken from one of those dashes at the top of the arch. Of course, I had to modify it slightly.
Perhaps it was the blue sky or the bright sunshine but Pam was also tempted into borrowing my camera and taking this artistic shot.
