Building America - Gateway Arch

Conceived in the 1930's to remind people of the important role that St. Louis played in the westward expansion of America, this graceful arch stands as one of the great engineering feats of the modern era. Eero Saarinen's final design was chosen from 172 entries submitted by noted architects and designers around the country. Making the winning design a reality presented unique engineering challenges that had never before been faced. Today, as this dramatic stainless steel arch shines from up to 30 miles away, it reminds all who see it of an important era in American history, when the country doubled its size and offered vast new opportunities to its people.

Our nation's unique identity has been formed, in large part, by the monuments and landmarks we have erected. Structures such as the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., stand today as permanent reminders of the people and events that have built a strong America. Many of these structures made history even as they were created; most integrated the latest in design and technology and required the skills of thousands of workers. For the first time, the Building America series chronicles the massive undertakings that mark some of the greatest triumphs of human engineering. The fact that these projects were even attempted, and then completed successfully, is a testament to the boldness of human ingenuity and a tribute to the brave spirit of the American people. It is that special spirit that is now captured in the pages of the Building America series.

Grades 3-7; 7 1/2 x 9; 48 pages; 40-45 photos; Chronology; Glossary; Further Reading; Source; Notes; Index

"Beautifully laid out on 48 informative pages... These books will become favorites of budding historians, architects, engineers, and their parents!"
--Christian Library Journal (December 2001) (UNKNOWN 20011201)

"Written in an interesting style, they include clear black-and-white and full-color photographs of the construction process and feature sidebars that give information on related topics of interest . . . . All three titles are good additions for larger collections and for those libraries with regional interest in the subjects."
-- School Library Journal (School Library Journal )