The Stuart Welcome Arch, also known as the Rio-Jensen Arch, is a historic local landmark in Martin County that was completed in 1926, according to Martin County records. The Stuart Chamber of Commerce built the structure to celebrate the creation of Martin County with Stuart as its county seat.
The arch crossbeam for southbound travelers reads “Stuart Atlantic Gateway To The Gulf Of Mexico” because originally it was believed Stuart would become a thriving shipping port after completion of the intra-state canal. The gateway greets northbound travelers with “Jensen” (Jensen Beach is situated just to the north) on the crossbeam.
The arch has endured its share of damage over the years. During the early part of World War II, the bronze letters and trim reportedly were stolen, and in 1949 hurricane winds blew down the original crossbeam. In 1954, a new beam was installed. A vehicle crash in 1976 destroyed the east tower, and the hanging crossbeam was removed. In 1977, reconstruction of the east tower and crossbeam started. The “arm of a garbage truck” in 1998 struck the crossbeam.
Early this century, the arch was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s thought to be the only gateway like it to span a highway in the state.
This cache is meant to bring you to The Stuart Welcome Arch. It’s placed close to the arch, but not on it. You are looking for a preform. The hiding spot might not be too tough for experienced cachers to locate, but could give beginning cachers a bit of trouble. There is plenty of parking available in nearby Langford Park, which also has a host of amenities, such as pickleball and basketball courts.
For more info, go here: https://www.martin.fl.us/StuartWelcomeArch