Ames Monument

This 60-foot tall pyramid of native granite once stood at the highest point (8,247 feet) on the route of the Union Pacific Railroad. Since the railroad’s relocation, the monument towers over the surrounding plains and can be easily accessed from Interstate 80. Completed in 1882 at a cost of $65,000, the monument honors Oakes and Oliver Ames, businessmen and politicians who were largely responsible for the completion of the transcontinental railroad. The Ames brothers took control of the management and financing of the Union Pacific portion of the railroad at President Lincoln’s request. Prior to their involvement with the railroad, only 12 miles of track had been completed. Shortly after the railroad’s completion, however, Oakes Ames found himself at the center of a massive scandal concerning the railroad’s financing. Despite this checkered past, the monument is a little-known artistic treasure designed by H.H. Richardson, famed architect of Trinity Church in Boston. The monument also features two bas-relief sculptures of the Ames brothers crafted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Protect Our Heritage!
Visitors are asked not to climb on or otherwise damage the monument. Please report any vandalism or defacement of property to local authorities.