Without even firing a shot, the Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of our nation, which previously had stretched only from the Atlantic to the Mississippi River. President Thomas Jefferson hired Lewis and Clark to survey the new territory which had been bought. The Gateway Arch commemorates Jefferson’s vision of America’s expansion and the resultant three year adventure.

The Arch is an architectural miracle. Each half by itself makes for two weak links. However, touching at the top seals the strength required for stability and the endurance required for lasting beauty. This 630 foot monument stands magnificently in the sky, and should be a reminder that we who are weak receive needed strength when we reach out and touch Him who reigns above.


Another consideration is that each half by itself would have no support and collapse is inevitable. Marriages often fail because one partner forgets about teamwork.