The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is one of 20 national parks that could receive a grant, but it needs votes to get it.
More from the news release:
In honor of the National Park Service’s Centennial, we at the National Trust for Historic Preservation have joined with National Geographic and American Express for Partners in Preservation: National Parks to award $2 million in grants—as decided by your votes—to historic sites at 20 of our beloved national parks.
From pioneer cabins and watch towers, to scenic overlooks and historic hikes, the 20 participating sites span Alaska to Puerto Rico and reflect the diverse communities and experiences that make America so dynamic. Now it’s up to you to make a difference in these places’ futures.
Vote daily for your favorite parks from May 25 through July 5 on VoteYourPark.org to determine which sites will receive preservation grants.
FYI, for those who don’t know, the Arch officially is known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The Gateway Arch, however, is the better-known name.
Also on the list is the Pullman National Monument in Chicago, so technically two of the 20 parks on the ballot are in Route 66 towns.
But the Arch is so big and so iconic, it’s become an inextricable part of St. Louis. Thousands of Route 66 travelers visit it and take photos of when they’re taking that California trip.
The Arch grounds also is going through an overdue and expensive makeover, so a few extra thousand dollars from a grant will come in handy.
(Hat tip to Kip Welborn; image of the Gateway Arch by christina rutz via Flickr)