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| - A rumor that users shared online in March 2025 claimed that officials in St. Louis planned to relocate the city's famous Gateway Arch to Branson, a tourist destination town also located in Missouri. One reader asked of the matter, "Is the arch moving from St. Louis to Branson?"
For example, on Feb. 27, Branson Area Breaking News posted an article reading, "Breaking News- St. Louis Arch to be moved to Branson, Missouri." The story featured a picture of the Gateway Arch relocated to the waterfront area of the Branson Landing entertainment and retail space.
The article began:
St. Louis city officials revealed plans to relocate the iconic Gateway Arch from its longtime home in St. Louis to Branson, Missouri, a popular tourist destination 250 miles southwest. The decision, sparking both excitement and controversy, aims to boost Branson's growing reputation as an entertainment hub while reimagining St. Louis' riverfront identity.
The 630-foot stainless steel monument, completed in 1965 as a symbol of westward expansion, will be disassembled and transported over the next two years, with an estimated cost of $300 million. Branson city leaders hailed the move as a "game-changer" for tourism, projecting millions of additional visitors annually. "The Arch will shine as a crown jewel in the Ozarks," said Branson Mayor Lisa Holt.
The story further said that "the Arch could welcome visitors in its new Branson home by 2027."
In Facebook posts, some users commented on the rumor, expressing confusion. One user said, "This has to be false reports." Another person asked, "Do you know that plans are underway to move the St. Louis Arch to Branson? What are your thoughts on this proposal?" One user went so far as to question why the expensive project existed, asking why the $300 million in funds wouldn't instead go to filling potholes and helping people in need.
However, there was no evidence of officials in St. Louis planning to relocate the Gateway Arch. Someone simply added a cut-out picture of the structure on top of a photo of Branson Landing.
The Branson Area Breaking News Facebook page displayed its purpose as publishing satire and parody content. Its bio also read, "We are a world renowned satirical news organization & have received many awards for our breaking news stories!"
Snopes previously addressed a different claim involving the same Facebook page. That rumor featured a photo generated with artificial intelligence showing hundreds of black bears lounging on a road, purportedly on U.S. Highway 65 near Branson.
For background, here is why we alert readers to rumors created by sources calling their output humorous or satirical.
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