Ames Monument

Ames Monument

Dedicated to brothers Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames, the monument is a four-sided, random ashlar pyramid, 60 feet square at the base and 60 feet high, constructed of light-colored native granite. It was completed in 1882.

The Ames family commissioned this monument to honor the memory of Oakes and Oliver Ames for their role in the building of the Union Pacific Railroad. The monument is one of a half-dozen or more projects that Richardson did for the Ames family.

The structure was designed by architect H.H. Richardson, with medallions by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It stood at the highest point on the transcontinental railroad until 1918, when the railroad was moved several miles south.

The Ames Monument is located about 20 miles (32 km) east of Laramie, Wyoming, south of Interstate 80 at the Vedauwoo exit.

Location

20 miles east of Laramie
Albany County
Wyoming
USA

Getting There

There is no public transportation directly to the monument, but it can be accessed by car via I-80 and a short drive on a gravel road. There are also various tour companies in the area that offer guided trips to the monument.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in Wyoming that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.