Museum of Westward Expansion

By Kin Enriquez -

Underneath the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis is a visitor center and a museum that commemorates the movement of explorers and pioneers toward Western United States. 

 Part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which includes the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse, the Museum of Westward Expansion displays artifacts and memorabilia dating to the expedition of Lewis and Clark in early 19th century.
A store in the Old West

North American canoe
Among the artifacts on display are old sextants and timepieces used by explorers for navigation, guns and equipment used by cowboys and pioneers, and mode of transportation, such as the covered wagon, also known as the prairie schooner, and Native American canoe made of animal skin. It also has an authentic tipi from the Plains Indians. 
Also in display are animatronic versions of various personalities of the time, such as the Sioux chief Red Cloud (first pic above) and William Clark.

A covered wagon, the preferred transportation by the pioneers

A navigation instrument
Useful info: The 45,000-sq.ft museum is located below the Arch, accessible through a ramp near the base. Visitors are required to go through an airport-style security check. 

 Entrance to the museum is free. It operates from 9 am to 6 pm, and is open all year except during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.

 [Museum Website]

by Kin Enriquez

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