Have you ever wondered what strange things are hiding off the beaten path in Wyoming? One of the oddest is located well off the highway near a barren dirt road. It was once a notable monument, and now, it sits on its own, with few putting in the effort to seek it out. Below, read the story of the Ames Monument.
Driving along Route 30, near the Vedauwoo between Laramie and Cheyenne, drivers pass a small, nondescript sign pointing out the location of the Ames Monument.
Flickr / Airbeagle
From some angles, you might even be able to see an odd monolith on the horizon.
Wikimedia Commons / Richard Koenig
Once you pull off the highway, a long dirt road takes you towards what looks like a big pile of dirt - and honestly, that’s not too far off.
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
What the heck is this thing, anyway?
Flickr / Paul Langlois The Ames Brothers, Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames, were railroad tycoons that were instrumental in getting the Transcontinental Railroad to come through southern Wyoming. This pyramid was built in honor of them, while they were still living, and upon their request.
It stands 80 feet tall and is made with local granite. Truly, it’s a work of art, and can be appreciated by artists, sculptors, or anyone who happens to stumble upon it.
Wikimedia Commons / Jack Boucher
At the time of construction, the railroad ran close to the pyramid, and travelers saw it out the window. It was a trackside attraction, of sorts.
Flickr / Lord the air smells good today
The funny part about this monument, though, is that eventually the railroad was moved, and the Pyramid now stands on its own, where nobody can see it unless they seek it out.
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM As for the Ames Brothers themselves, both ended up disgraced by various political scandals, and they died without the fame and notoriety they enjoyed in life.
Despite the quirky story and odd placement of the statue, the area surrounding it is beautiful, and certainly worth a visit to see what may be Wyoming’s oddest roadside stop.
Flickr / Lord the air smells good today
Learn more about the Ames Monument on the Wyoming State Historic Parks website. It’s a unique destination for anyone looking to explore the little known places in the Cowboy State!
Flickr / Airbeagle
Wikimedia Commons / Richard Koenig
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr / Paul Langlois
The Ames Brothers, Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames, were railroad tycoons that were instrumental in getting the Transcontinental Railroad to come through southern Wyoming. This pyramid was built in honor of them, while they were still living, and upon their request.
Wikimedia Commons / Jack Boucher
Flickr / Lord the air smells good today
As for the Ames Brothers themselves, both ended up disgraced by various political scandals, and they died without the fame and notoriety they enjoyed in life.
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Address: Ames Monument, Wyoming 82052, USA
