Luther Ely Smith

Luther Ely Smith was a prominent St. Louis attorney and civic leader whose vision and relentless advocacy were instrumental in the creation of the Gateway Arch and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. His work transformed the St. Louis riverfront and left an indelible mark on the city's identity and national heritage. Smith is widely celebrated as the "Father of the Gateway Arch" for his pivotal role in conceiving and championing the monumental project.

Early life and education

Born in Jacksonville, Illinois, he was the son of a Presbyterian minister. He pursued his higher education at Yale University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1894. Following his studies in the Northeastern United States, he moved to Missouri to attend Washington University School of Law, graduating in 1897. His legal education in St. Louis positioned him for a career that would become deeply intertwined with the city's civic and cultural development.

Legal career

Admitted to the Missouri bar, he quickly established a successful practice in St. Louis, specializing in corporate law and railroad litigation. He became a partner in the firm that would evolve into Thompson Coburn, one of the city's most prestigious law firms. His legal acumen brought him into contact with influential leaders in business and politics, connections he would later leverage for civic projects. He also served as a special assistant to the United States Attorney General during the Woodrow Wilson administration, working on cases related to World War I and the Espionage Act of 1917.

Civic leadership and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

His deep commitment to civic improvement was demonstrated through leadership roles in organizations like the St. Louis Art Museum and the Municipal Art Commission. In 1933, while visiting the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Indiana, he was struck by the dilapidated state of the historic St. Louis riverfront, the site of the original founding of St. Louis. He conceived the idea of a memorial to Thomas Jefferson and the nation's westward expansion. He tirelessly championed the cause, forming the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association and successfully lobbying the United States Department of the Interior and United States Congress. His efforts secured federal approval and funding, leading to a national design competition won by architect Eero Saarinen for his iconic arch design.

Later life and death

He remained actively involved in the memorial project throughout the 1940s, navigating challenges such as World War II delays and complex land acquisition. He continued his legal practice and civic engagements, serving on numerous boards and commissions dedicated to the betterment of St. Louis. He passed away in St. Louis in 1951, nearly fifteen years before the completion of the Gateway Arch. His funeral was held at the Second Presbyterian Church (St. Louis, Missouri), and he was interred at Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Legacy and honors

His legacy is permanently etched into the St. Louis skyline and the national consciousness. The Gateway Arch, completed in 1965, stands as a direct result of his vision and perseverance. In recognition of his foundational role, a bronze bust of him was placed in the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Arch. He posthumously received the St. Louis Award in 1966, and the Luther Ely Smith Square, a park near the Old Courthouse, was named in his honor. His papers are preserved in the archives of the Missouri Historical Society, ensuring his contributions to American urban planning and memorialization are remembered.

Category:American lawyers Category:People from St. Louis Category:Washington University in St. Louis alumni Category:Yale University alumni