Funding
- Lumber Heritage Region: $3,000
- Additional Support: Community Foundation of Warren County, Boilermakers Local 27, Ironworkers Local No. 3, Sheffield Vets Club, Warren County Commissioners
Type of Project
Creation of a 14-foot tall scale model of the St. Louis Arch and educational displays at the Warren County Visitors Bureau to preserve and highlight the historical significance of Warren, PA, as the birthplace of the Gateway Arch.
Project Details
The Baby Arch project in Warren, Warren County, aimed to create a 14-foot tall scale model of the St. Louis Arch, accompanied by several educational displays at the Warren County Visitors Bureau. This project sought to preserve and highlight the historical significance of Warren, PA, as the birthplace of the St. Louis Arch, and to recognize the contributions of the men who worked on the project at the Pittsburgh Des Moines (PDM) Steel Plant in Warren.
From 1962 to 1965, approximately 280 men in Warren were involved in welding, cutting, and fabricating the stainless steel sections that would become the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. These sections were meticulously crafted to fit together perfectly, forming the base of each leg of the arch and stacking continuously to create the structure’s curved shape. Despite the common misconception that the arch was fabricated in Pittsburgh, the true birthplace of the Gateway Arch is Warren, PA.
The Baby Arch project aimed to correct this historical oversight and give due recognition to the local workforce. The 14-foot scale model and the educational displays provide visitors with detailed information about the fabrication process, the workers’ contributions, and the arch’s significance as a national landmark. By creating this display, the project ensures that the story of Warren’s role in the construction of the Gateway Arch is preserved and shared with future generations.
The project has successfully attracted attention to the historical importance of Warren, PA, enhancing the local community’s pride and providing an educational resource for visitors. It serves as a testament to the skill and dedication of the local workforce that contributed to one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States.
