At the turn of the 19th century Gardiner, Montana was the most prominent gateway to Yellowstone Park. The railroad had just expanded into town and a brilliant young architect, Robert Reamer (soon to design Old Faithful Inn) had just built a new depot. Hiram Martin Chittendon of the Army Corps of Engineers suggested a rusticated triumphal arch. The idea caught fire with both politicians and townspeople. Teddy Roosevelt happened to be vacationing in the Park. He laid the cornerstone and spoke at a dedication ceremony. Henceforth this impressive archway has borne his name.
I have always loved it. To me, it is a physical embodiment of a metaphysical intersection. The fact that it stands alone and that you can look through it and all around it at the beautiful natural world, speaks volumes.
It was a parting gift from Roosevelt. After that dedication ceremony he never made it back.
I love archways of all types. This one in particular is an idea that became reality and captured our hearts and minds. It defied time and space and became an icon. There is a transformative power to walking through that arch.
Oil on board. 8" x 10"