The Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline - by John Guenther (Paperback)

About the Book

An icon of Structural Expressionism, the Gateway Arch expresses both a timeless monumentality and a contemporary dynamism. The story of how this monument came to be is remarkable. John Guenther, architect and historian, seeks to "connect the dots" of history and take readers through the key events which led to the building of the Gateway Arch, assisted by historic images. Enjoy a chronological look at the historic foundations of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, starting from the very beginning: when the Louisiana territory was controlled by France. St. Louis's central location has been key to US history, serving as the "Gateway to the West"; it was here that Lewis and Clark began their Corps of Discovery Expedition (1804-1806). Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, St. Louis was a major port in the Golden Age of Steamboating and the origin of the Missouri-Pacific Railroad in 1849 to forge connection between the east and the west coast. Learn how Eero Saarinen's Gateway Arch is a powerful and symbolic expression of this westward exploration. The Gateway Arch Timeline explores the planning, growth, and evolution of St. Louis and its riverfront. It reveals the vision, determination, persistence, collaboration, creativity, and innovation on the part of many, as the design and realization of the Gateway Arch continues to evolve over time.

About the Author

Architect John C. Guenther, FAIA, LEED AP has produced a distinguished body of architecture that contributes significantly to the built environment. He was elevated to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects for notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture in design. Guenther has been a Lecturer in the College of Architecture, Washington University in St. Louis, where he taught Introduction to Design Processes and co-founded and taught Mid-Century Modernism in St. Louis 1930-1970. John serves as President of the Society of Architectural Historians-St. Louis Chapter. He wrote "Missouri's Architectural Treasures," published by Missouri Life Magazine, featuring 50 noteworthy and varied works of architecture across our state; "25 Must-See Buildings in Missouri" for USA TODAY; and the introduction to The Lost St. Louis Riverfront 1930-1943 which documents the historic riverfront architecture removed in anticipation of the Gateway Arch National Park.