Iconic Conversations: Peter Kastor, St. Louis' American Revolution

Join us each month for a thought-provoking speaker series that brings St. Louis history to life. Gateway Arch National Park and Jefferson National Parks Association are proud to host compelling talks by local authors and other knowledgeable guests who will explore a var......More

Join us each month for a thought-provoking speaker series that brings St. Louis history to life. Gateway Arch National Park and Jefferson National Parks Association are proud to host compelling talks by local authors and other knowledgeable guests who will explore a variety of topics relevant to the St. Louis region. You might learn about our city's early beginnings, its architecture, our prominent leaders, the rise of the Gateway Arch, our civil rights struggles, and the best things to do around town. Book discussions will be followed by an author signing opportunity. All programs are free and no reservations are needed. They will be held at 2:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month in the rotunda of the historic Old Courthouse (11 N. 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102). The building is fully accessible, and a sign language interpreter will be on hand for each presentation. When you think of the American Revolutionary War, the city of St. Louis probably doesn’t come to mind. Yet our small village was the site of the westernmost battle fought in the war, one that helped shape the destiny of our young nation. The 1780 Battle of Ft. San Carlos crushed Britain’s plans to take over St. Louis, thus spoiling its attempt to take control of the Mississippi River during the war.Peter Kastor will explore this fascinating chapter from our city’s past. As a history professor at Washington University, he focuses on the half-century following American independence. He is also a scholar on the American Presidency.

It will be held in the rotunda.

Kids Explorer Night

Renowned storyteller Bobby Norfolk will discuss the star stories of cultures around the world. This will be followed by the annual Junior Ranger Night Explorer Workshop, in which children from ages 4-12 can earn a special patch customized to our Park. Meet at Tucker The......More

Renowned storyteller Bobby Norfolk will discuss the star stories of cultures around the world. This will be followed by the annual Junior Ranger Night Explorer Workshop, in which children from ages 4-12 can earn a special patch customized to our Park. Meet at Tucker Theater inside the Arch Visitor Center.

B.A.R.K. Ranger: B.A.R.K. Scavenger Hunt

B.A.R.K. Ranger events are always free and open to everyone. Dogs must be leashed and friendly. All events will start at 10:00 a.m. at the park entrance. Since B.A.R.K. Ranger events are held outdoors, they will be cancelled in case of inclement weather. 

Meet outside the Gateway Arch visitor center entrance

Ranger Night Walk

Enjoy a walk around the Park and learn about area history. Meet at the Entrance Plaza outside the Arch Visitor Center.

B.A.R.K. Ranger: B.A.R.K. Costume Parade

B.A.R.K. Ranger events are always free and open to everyone. Dogs must be leashed and friendly. All events will start at 10:00 a.m. at the park entrance. Since B.A.R.K. Ranger events are held outdoors, they will be cancelled in case of inclement weather. 

Meet outside the Gateway Arch visitor center entrance

Ghosts of the Arch Grounds

The area where the Gateway Arch stands today has always been central to local history. Learn about the various “incarnations” of the Park Grounds and the fortunes and misfortunes of historical figures such as Eero Saarinen, James Eads, Thomas Targee, Percy Green, and Ke......More

The area where the Gateway Arch stands today has always been central to local history. Learn about the various “incarnations” of the Park Grounds and the fortunes and misfortunes of historical figures such as Eero Saarinen, James Eads, Thomas Targee, Percy Green, and Kenneth Swyers. Meet at the Entrance Plaza outside the Arch Visitor Center.