The north entrance to Yellowstone National Park was the original and only entrance at the time. The park itself was created in 1872. The arch was constructed in 1903. It since came to be known as “Roosevelt Arch”, as President Theodore Roosevelt happened to be in the park at the time of the dedication. He was asked to give a speech at the dedication, which he graciously did. He also laid the cornerstone which has the words “Apr 24 1903” inscribed and faces the interior of the arch.