Living in St Louis, it’s hard not to notice the grandeur of America’s tallest memorial, the Saint Louis Arch, which measures an imposing 630-foot high and dominates our skyline. Also known as the “Gateway to the West”, it’s listed as tallest arch in the world.
While the monument is obviously large and impressive in it’s architecture, you might be unaware of some mind blowing facts about St Louis Arch from it’s concept to the actual model.
It’s just as wide as it is tall
Yeah! You read it right, this arch is as wide as it is tall. Just like its height of 630-foot, the wide base is also 630-foot. Such design with legs wider than its upper section is labeled as the weighted catenary.
No one died during the construction
We know that it sounds a bit weird but it’s the truth that no one died during the construction of this phenomenal monument. The firm that was assigned to construct this project predicted that around 13 people will die but the reality turns out to be pleasing.
The construction required only 2% of the predicted labor
It sounds a bit weird that how come this gigantic monument was constructed with 2% of the predicted labor number. Labors went wild when around only hundreds were called instead of 5000 predicted labor vacancies to build the Arch.
You can’t take the stairs
Although there are stairs to the top, visitors can’t use them as they are for emergencies and maintenance. A total of 1076 stairs will take you to the top only if you are among the engineers or workers.
Arch is heavy
The total weight of St Louis Arch is 43,220 pounds including the stainless steel, concrete layers, and all other components. Now stop daydreaming about being a superman and lifting this arch up, it’s hefty!
Eero died before the grand opening of this Arch
You heard it right, Eero, the designer of this monument didn’t see the this Arch come to life as he died of brain tumor in 1961 at the age of 51. The Arch was up four years after his death, isn’t life unjust sometimes?
Ever thought of climbing the Arch? You better not
In 1992 on September 14th a 25-year old man named John C. Vincent climbed to the top of St Louis Arch by using suction cups and parachuted back to the ground. John was charged with two crime, parachuting in a national park and climbing a national monument.
Attraction for millions
St Louis Arch is one of the most visited places by tourists with around four million visitors per year and around 1 million make it to the top of the Arch. So? Would you make it to the top or just watch like other 3 million people?
Foundation matters
This enormous monument’s foundation is approximately 60 feet deep to withstand the weight of 43,220 pounds so that this structure remains like this forever.
Getting There From Reliable Guys Towing…
Hungry for more information about St Louis? Check out our article on our city’s most recognizable icon: The St Louis Arch
