While taking a trip to Nashville with my family, we stopped at The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. I had been there once before but did not go up to the top. This time I wanted to cross that off my bucket list. Between my minimal research prior to the trip, as well as the information in the museum at the arch, I thought it would be worth looking into its symbolism. By “symbolism” I mean what it was intended to celebrate, but also what it reflects about the United States at the time it was created. In doing my research it was clear that it was built primarily to acknowledge and commemorate the westward expansion of the United States.
However, as I strolled through the museum I noticed something interesting about the timing of its creation. Completed in 1965, the design and construction occurred during a strong economic period that was offset by heavy social and political strains. Pondering these factors while driving to our other destinations made me think about the representation of the Gateway Arch in the context of the time in which it was constructed. Perhaps the influence behind the Gateway Arch was less about its ostensible statement and more about the social and political climate of the time.
Although plans to work with the riverfront in St. Louis date back to the years following World War II, the momentum for its final design and construction did not happen until the 1960s. By this point, many veterans of the Second World War had established families and were working in industries that were flourishing. However, racial tensions, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War were some of the major challenges facing the United States during this time. This made me ponder the influence of the Gateway Arch on American society. But also what it reflects about people’s attitudes during that time.
Throughout history, governments have directed (or redirected) the attention of their people to symbols of their country’s achievements. This is generally done to showcase their success in governance, to unify everyone behind a common cause, or to distract from ulterior motives. Considering the combination of economic success, domestic turmoil, and conflicts abroad during this time, I wonder if the objective of the arch was to motivate rather than commemorate.
Perhaps the strong economy of the time was the point of pride that the United States government could use as a distraction from other problems. After all, if “everyone” was prospering why wouldn’t they reflect on the past triumphs of their nation? Especially those that represented their expansion, strength, and unity. Logically, this would make it easier to think of the country as united instead of divided, superior against militarily inferior adversaries, and prosperous enough to be threatened by communism.
Civilizations have frequently built structures that are representative of their cultures. Some well-known examples of this are the Colosseum in Rome and the Pyramids in Egypt. Each serving different practical purposes but becoming lasting symbols of their societies. In the case of the Colosseum, Romans would witness fights that reconstructed famous battles and triumphs. This demonstrated Roman power and acted as a distraction for the masses when emperors, generals and senators were maneuvering politically.
It could be argued that the United States faces some of the same dynamics as Rome. Many of the governmental structures of the United States are inspired by the Roman system. Therefore, it could be argued that the preeminent republic of our time will have the same comportments and difficulties as those of the past. The Gateway Arch could be one of many iconic buildings that historians in the future turn to for insights into the American culture of the time.
What connection if any do you think there is between the construction and imagery of the Gateway Arch and the governmental and/or societal attitudes of the time?