Gateway Arch Legs Forced Apart

Gateway Arch Legs Forced Apart

During construction of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, several filmmakers recorded the work because they thought the two stainless steel legs might not meet at the top. As the final keystone section went in, thermal expansion made the legs press together. Workers ran water from firehoses over the arch to cool it and used hydraulic jacks to push the legs apart just enough. That let them slide the keystone into place and complete the monument.

Previous Fact Next Fact

Latest FactRepublic Video

15 Most Controversial & Costly Blunders in History

Sponsored Links