Wyoming has a pyramid. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, saw a pyramid in Wyoming.

Ames Monument in Wyoming

It is made of light colored native granite and is 60 feet tall.   This monument, completed in 1882, was commissioned and paid for by the Union Pacific Railroad.

President Abraham Lincoln thought a transcontinental railroad would greatly benefit the United States.  President Lincoln asked a US Representative from Massachusetts, Oakes Ames, to arrange for the completion of the railroad.   Oakes and his brother Oliver’s strong support, drive and influence, resulted in the railroad being completed in 1869.   The Ames brothers were wealthy businessmen.   They had inherited Ames shovel manufacturing company.  They filled the need for quality shovels during the California Gold Rush.   They also sold shovels for railroad work, the Civil War, and some shovels used while constructing the Panama Canal.

The Union Pacific Railroad was so grateful, that they built this monument to the Ames brothers.   The east side of the pyramid features a portrait of Oakes Ames.

Portrait of Oakes Ames

The west side of the pyramid features a portrait of Oliver Ames.

Portrait of Oliver Oakes

The north side of the pyramid, which was a few hundred feet from the railroad, says “In memory of Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames”.

Engraving honoring Ames brothers on north side near train tracks

At the time of construction the town of Sherman was here and was utilized by the railroad.   Later the railroad moved 3 miles south and Sherman is now deserted.   The monument is located at the highest point of the transcontinental railroad, 8247 feet above sea level.

This monument, located 20 miles east of Laramie on I-80, is on the US National Register of Historic Places.   This monument may look out of place in the Wyoming landscape, but at a closer look you can see it was build to mimic the surrounding features of the mountain landscape.

Monument in Wyoming with storm clouds

We ducks were there, but pyramid is big, ducks are small and the powerful Wyoming wind was blowing us away.

If you are traveling on I-80 through Wyoming, stop to see this monument.  We believe you will enjoy seeing this piece of history.