One of the country's most recognizable and beloved architectural flourishes has many sordid stories to tell. Today is also its 50th birthday.
From the underreported history of the St. Louis Gateway Arch: a rigged vote for bond funding, an embarrassing failure to recognize the difference between Eero Saarinen (the son) and Eliel Saarinen (father), and a high-profile civil rights protest. An article by Greg Bailey brings light to these quizzical and critical moments in the Arch's history.
Bailey provides details about each of these episodes, dating back to the voter-approved bond that kick-started the Arch back in 1933. The historic tales are mean to shed renewed light on the Arch as the National Park Service celebrates the 50th anniversary of the structure today, with 1,000 free cupcakes and rides to the top of the Arch priced at the price of $1—the same price charged on the first day of the Arch's life as a civic monument.
In a separate article, Tim O'Neil reports that the Gateway Arch will be bathed in gold (via floodlight) for the anniversary event.
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