Historical Features - Ames Monument
Completed in 1882 at a cost of $65,000, this monolithic, 60-foot high granite pyramid was built by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. It stands on the highest elevation (8,247 feet) of the original transcontinental route. Until 1901--when the railroad was relocated several miles to the south--it passed close by the north side of the monument where once stood the rail-town of Sherman.
The monument serves as a memorial to the Ames brothers of Massachusetts. Oakes (1804 - 1873) and Oliver (1807-1877), whose wealth, influence, talent, and work were key factors in the construction of the first coast-to-coast railroad in North America. The contribution made by Oakes was especially significant even though in 1873 he was implicated in a scandal relative to financing the construction of the railroad.
Located about 20 miles (32 km) east of Laramie, Wyoming south of Interstate 80 at the Vedauwoo exit.
Year-round - 24/7
No additional fees.
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Ames Monument is Open. |
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Hours |
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Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
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