Show your support
for the Illinois Expansion of
the Gateway Arch National Park

Help Complete the Vision: Expand Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois

The Illinois expansion of the Gateway Arch National Park is an opportunity to fulfill a vision that is decades in the making. It would not only honor architect Eero Saarinen's original master plan, which included Illinois, but it would also give proper recognition to our state’s significant role in America's westward expansion.

In May 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed from Camp Dubois, located near present-day Hartford, Illinois. This pivotal starting point is where the expedition gathered supplies, recruited crew members, and ultimately embarked on its historic journey. Including this land is essential to telling the complete story memorialized by our nation's most iconic monument.

A Lasting Impact for Our Community

Completing the Gateway Arch National Park is more than a historical correction; it's a forward-looking investment in our region. The expansion will create an enduring, positive impact for East St. Louis and the entire Metro East by:

Bolstering Tourism & Economic Development: Attracting new visitors and creating sustainable economic growth for the region.
Promoting Conservation & Education: Protecting our natural riverfront and providing new educational opportunities about our area's unique history and ecology.
Enhancing Recreation & Community Engagement: Creating world-class public spaces for outdoor recreation, cultural exchange, and meaningful community connection.

Your Voice is Essential: Add Your Support Today

To make this vision a reality, a strong, unified chorus of community support is essential. Timeless letters of support from individuals and organizations demonstrate to the National Park Service, elected officials, and other decision-makers that our region has an unwavering, long-term commitment to this project.

Your letter will serve as a powerful testament to the importance of this expansion, regardless of the specific phase the project is in.

How to Help

1. Customize a Letter Template:

Use one of our pre-drafted, timeless templates below as a starting point. Feel free to add your own personal touch.