Exploring the Ames Monument in Buford, Wyoming 🏛️🐾

Simba 🐾 and I visited the Ames Monument in Buford, Wyoming, a massive 60-foot granite pyramid that pays tribute to brothers Oakes and Oliver Ames, who played a pivotal role in financing the Union Pacific Railroad. Built in 1882 by famed architect Henry Hobson Richardson, the monument is both a striking landmark and a piece of American history, sitting at 8,247 feet near Sherman Summit, the highest point along the original transcontinental railroad.

📍 Highlights from Our Visit

🏛️ Designed by H.H. Richardson, one of America’s most important architects
⛰️ 60-foot granite pyramid crowned with bronze medallions of Oakes and Oliver Ames
🌄 Scenic setting in the Laramie Mountains near Buford, WY
🚂 Historical significance tied to the Union Pacific Railroad and westward expansion

Why the Ames Monument Matters

The Ames Monument is more than just a roadside curiosity — it’s a symbol of America’s westward growth and the monumental effort of building the first transcontinental railroad. The Ames brothers, though controversial, were instrumental in financing the Union Pacific, and this structure was built to honor their legacy.

Surrounded by sweeping Wyoming landscapes, the monument is also a showcase of Richardsonian Romanesque design, making it a landmark that blends history, architecture, and natural beauty. It’s quiet, isolated, and absolutely worth the detour for travelers interested in the past that shaped the West.

🎥 Watch the Video

Come along with Simba and me as we explore the Ames Monument! From the towering granite pyramid to the peaceful Laramie Mountain backdrop, we’ll take you inside this fascinating piece of railroad and architectural history.

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