The Gateway Arch

The neighborhoods of St. Louis are known for their unique architecture and characteristics. Downtown St. Louis is particularly fascinating. The Gateway Arch National Park is a memorial that commemorates the Louisiana Purchase and the westward movement of American explorers and pioneers. The Gateway Arch was completed in 1965, and the surrounding area was renovated and became the “Gateway Arch National Park” in 2018. The Old Courthouse is part of the national park.

Photography in Downtown St. Louis (click on the images for a larger view)

1. The Old Courthouse is a historic building located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, USA. It was completed in 1864 and served as the courthouse for the Eastern District of Missouri until 1930. The Old Courthouse is best known as the site of several landmark trials, including the infamous Dred Scott case, which helped fuel the national debate over slavery in the United States.

2. Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is a historic monument and museum located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. It was built to honor the brave men and women from St. Louis who served in World War I and later expanded to include all wars in which St. Louisans have fought. The memorial underwent a major renovation and expansion, reopening to the public in 2018.

3. Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri is a historic train station with a rich architectural history. The station was designed by Theodore C. Link and opened in 1894. It was once one of the busiest train stations in the United States and served as a gateway to the west. It continues to be an iconic landmark that has been restored and renovated several times over the years to preserve its historic character while adapting to modern uses.

4. The Central Library is a historic library building that is part of the St. Louis Public Library system. It was built in 1912. The building is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture.

“I believe that, through the act of living, the discovery of oneself is made concurrently with the discovery of the world around us.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson