Ames Monument
3 mi. NW of Sherman, Sherman, WYThe Ames Monument was erected under the authority of a resolution adopted by the stockholders of the Union Pacific Railroad Company at a meeting held in Boston, Massachusetts on March 10, 1875. The resolution reads:
The resolution obviously reflects the close relationship of Oakes Ames and the Union Pacific Railroad. It also reflects the public sentiment for Oakes Ames which arose following his censure by the United States House of Representatives in 1873 and his death in the same year. The significance of the Ames Monument cannot be properly discussed without a brief summary of the connection between the Ames Brothers and the Union Pacific Railroad including the former holding company of the Union Pacific, the infamous "Credit Mobilier of America". Because it is a monument to Oakes and Oliver Ames, and because the names of those brothers yet today are almost immediately associated with financial skullduggery, the Ames Monument has the capacity to keep alive the unsavory aspect of railroad-building in America. But the monument was not erected for the purpose of maintaining or preserving a history of corruption in American politics and American finance. The intention of those who were responsible for initiating the construction of the Ames Monument seems to be a vindication of the work of Oliver Ames, and especially that of his brother, Oakes Ames.
The Ames family has been an important one in American history since 1774. In that year Captain John Ames began pounding into shape the first American-made shovels in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Ames shovels were used to dig the trenches at Bunker Hill and were also used in the Civil War. The Ames Company supplied shovels for the excavation of the Panama Canal, for mining in the Pennsylvania coal fields and for digging the New York subway system.
Local significance of the structure:
Resolved, that in memory of Oakes Ames, and in recognition of his services in the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad to which he devoted his means and his best energies with a courage, fidelity, and integrity unsurpassed in the history of railroad construction, the Directors (of this company) are requested to take measures in cooperation with such friends as may desire to contribute, for the erection at some point on the line of the road of a suitable and permanent monument.
The resolution obviously reflects the close relationship of Oakes Ames and the Union Pacific Railroad. It also reflects the public sentiment for Oakes Ames which arose following his censure by the United States House of Representatives in 1873 and his death in the same year. The significance of the Ames Monument cannot be properly discussed without a brief summary of the connection between the Ames Brothers and the Union Pacific Railroad including the former holding company of the Union Pacific, the infamous "Credit Mobilier of America". Because it is a monument to Oakes and Oliver Ames, and because the names of those brothers yet today are almost immediately associated with financial skullduggery, the Ames Monument has the capacity to keep alive the unsavory aspect of railroad-building in America. But the monument was not erected for the purpose of maintaining or preserving a history of corruption in American politics and American finance. The intention of those who were responsible for initiating the construction of the Ames Monument seems to be a vindication of the work of Oliver Ames, and especially that of his brother, Oakes Ames.
The Ames family has been an important one in American history since 1774. In that year Captain John Ames began pounding into shape the first American-made shovels in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Ames shovels were used to dig the trenches at Bunker Hill and were also used in the Civil War. The Ames Company supplied shovels for the excavation of the Panama Canal, for mining in the Pennsylvania coal fields and for digging the New York subway system.
Commerce; Art; Transportation; Politics/government; Architecture; Communications
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The famous outlaw Butch Cassidy, whose real name was Robert LeRoy Parker, owned a ranch in Wyoming. The ranch was called the Hole-in-the-Wall, and it was located in the remote Johnson County area. The Hole-in-the-Wall was a notorious hideout for outlaws and a place where they could hide from the law.
About Albany County
Albany County Timeline
Albany County in Wyoming has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes, who established their presence in the area long before the arrival of Europeans. These tribes relied on the region's abundant wildlife and water resources for sustenance and trade.
The first European explorers to venture into the area were members of the French Canadian fur trade, who arrived in the early 19th century. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlement began to take shape in Albany County. The discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass region attracted miners and fortune-seekers, leading to an influx of settlers into the area.
The establishment of the Overland Trail, a major route for westward migration, further contributed to the growth of Albany County. The county's main town, Laramie, was founded in 1868 as a crucial stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. Laramie quickly developed into a vibrant community with the construction of schools, businesses, and government institutions.
Albany County's history also includes its role in the expansion of higher education in Wyoming. The University of Wyoming, founded in Laramie in 1886, became the state's first institution of higher learning. Today, the university remains a prominent institution and contributes significantly to the county's cultural and economic development.
Over the years, Albany County has evolved from its early mining and railroad roots into a diverse and thriving community. With its natural beauty, rich history, and robust economy, the county continues to attract residents and visitors alike to experience its unique culture and explore the great outdoors.
The first European explorers to venture into the area were members of the French Canadian fur trade, who arrived in the early 19th century. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlement began to take shape in Albany County. The discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass region attracted miners and fortune-seekers, leading to an influx of settlers into the area.
The establishment of the Overland Trail, a major route for westward migration, further contributed to the growth of Albany County. The county's main town, Laramie, was founded in 1868 as a crucial stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. Laramie quickly developed into a vibrant community with the construction of schools, businesses, and government institutions.
Albany County's history also includes its role in the expansion of higher education in Wyoming. The University of Wyoming, founded in Laramie in 1886, became the state's first institution of higher learning. Today, the university remains a prominent institution and contributes significantly to the county's cultural and economic development.
Over the years, Albany County has evolved from its early mining and railroad roots into a diverse and thriving community. With its natural beauty, rich history, and robust economy, the county continues to attract residents and visitors alike to experience its unique culture and explore the great outdoors.
Albany County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Albany County, Wyoming.
- 1868 - Albany County was established on December 16, 1868, by the Dakota Legislature.
- 1869 - Laramie, the county seat of Albany County, was founded on May 4, 1869.
- 1870 - The University of Wyoming, the state's only four-year public university, was established in Laramie.
- 1872 - The Union Pacific Railroad reached Laramie, providing increased transportation and commerce opportunities for Albany County.
- 1875 - Territorial reform created Wyoming Territory, with Albany County as one of its original five counties.
- 1886 - The Wyoming Territorial Prison was opened in Laramie, serving as a territorial penitentiary.
- 1891 - The Wyoming Statehood Act was signed, making Wyoming the 44th state of the United States with Albany County as one of its counties.
- 1905 - The University of Wyoming moved to its current campus location in Laramie.
- 1921 - The Grand Encampment Museum was established to preserve the history and heritage of the mining and ranching communities in the area.
- 1930 - Medicine Bow National Forest was established, providing recreational opportunities and protecting natural resources in Albany County.
- 1962 - The Albany County Courthouse, an iconic Laramie landmark, was completed.
- 1978 - The Wyoming Infrared Observatory, an astronomical observatory, was dedicated, enhancing scientific research in the region.