The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis' role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson's role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.
Gateway to the West
MO National Parks Passport Challenge
Use your passport to visit six National Park sites in Missouri
Plan Your Visit
Get all the information you need to plan your visit to the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse
Gateway Arch Architecture
Learn about Eero Saarinen and the building of the Gateway Arch.
New Exhibits at the Old Courthouse
New exhibit galleries have just opened at the Old Courthouse which cover the history of early St. Louis and its role in westward expansion
The Dred Scott Trial
One of the most important cases ever tried in the United States began here when Dred and Harriet Scott filed for their freedom.
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery containing free, downloadable images of the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse
African-American Life in St. Louis, 1804
Learn more about African-American life in St. Louis from 1804-1865 through the records of the St. Louis Court system.
Library
Learn about the park library
Last updated: November 17, 2017