What you don’t expect to see in Wyoming is a giant pyramid standing in the middle of nowhere but here is a 60 ft high and 60 ft wide creation.  Why is it there?  Well, it’s because of the intercontinental railroad, government corruption and a railroad trying to put the names of the two major investors in the railroad back into the “good guy” column of the era.

Back in the 1800′s, two brothers, Oakes and Oliver Ames made their fortune, one spade at a time.  The wealthy brothers then turned their attention to the transcontinental railroad, which only made sense, since their company provided many of the tools used in its construction.  Oakes and Oliver were actively involved in raising the money necessary to complete the rail line.  Oakes also used his fortune to help secure a spot in congress.

Had Oakes not gotten into congress perhaps the pyramid would not have been built and corruption would not have tarnished the names of both the brothers.  Oakes used his connections in the congress to get special funding legislation through congress.  While the railroad got built with Oliver as President of the construction company, and the final spike was driven in the trains started running coast to coast the construction company investors got rich and the workers went without pay.  Financial hard-times didn’t affect the investors but caused many problems for the workers.  An investigation revealed that the construction company had charged charged Union Pacific too much, and the railroad paid the bills with government funds.  Oakes became known as “Hoax”, and took most of the blame for the scandal.  He died of a stroke, months later.

Due to the black mark on the brothers, Union Pacific railroad decided to build a memorial to them that would help to put them back in the good graces of the public.  The pink granite stone was quarried just three miles from the spot the pyramid was built.  Both Oliver and Oakes busts were sculpted on two corners of the pyramid.  The pyramid cost $65,000 to build in 1882, quite a large sum of money for the time.

Now there stands this pyramid to honor two of the key players in the railroad but both have been more or less forgotten and the pyramid gets only the attention of the curious road traveler.  The railroad and the highways both moved away from the area the pyramid was built so it was forgotten, standing out in the middle of “no where land.”

You can only reach the pyramid by traveling a couple of miles off Interstate 80 on a dirt road but how many people do you know that actually have been there?

Directions: I-80 exit 329. The top of it is visible to the south when driving west, a mile or so before the exit. Turn south onto Vedauwoo Rd, then left onto Monument Rd. Follow two miles to the pyramid.

Phone: 307-777-6323

Ames Brothers Pyramid – Buford, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The museum and gift shop are opened for extended hours for the local Frontier Days celebration which is usually held in the last full week of July. The museum is always free admission but they do greatly appreciate donations. All money made from donations and at the gift shop goes towards the improvement and appeal of the museum.

At the gift shop you will find Wyoming made products like collectables, jewelry, and western art. There you can also find antiques, post cards, books, and even a section made specifically for children. The Cowgirls of the West & Gift Shop, Cheyenne, Wyoming has something for men, women, and children of all ages to enjoy.

If you are a local in the wonderful state of Wyoming or live nearby you can become a Cowgirls of the West club member for a low annual fee of only $30. What is a club member and what does that do for you, you may be asking yourself. Well the answer is simple, the club and its members usually meet once a month and always have a very interesting speaker. On top of that they typically participate in local events and charities like a Brunch and Style Show, a silent auction that is held on Halloween called Cow-Boo Up!, and always showcase a float in the highly anticipated Frontier Day’s parade.

There is so much history and interesting American stories that come out of Wyoming and the Cowgirls of the West & Gift Shop, Cheyenne, Wyoming just adds to the wonder. Whether nearby or just passing through on your way to your destination, come by and learn how the women from long ago have made such an impact on the way we live today.

Each of the cowgirls had a story born under an open sky, each contributed to the growth of the area known as the wild west.  Some were bronc riders, ranchers, barrel racers, a Supreme Court justice, a Pulitzer Prize winner, artists and entrepreneurs. 

Cheyenne has a number of various spots of interest that you’ll want to see while visiting. Visit HotelsCombined.com to find the best hotel rates for accommodations in Cheyenne.

Cowgirls of the West Museum
205 W. 17th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 638-4994

The Emporium and Gift Shop
203 W 17th St.
Cheyenne, WY

Cowgirls of the West Museum – Cheyenne, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

A Wyoming vacation has to start with an adventure in the Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks  – showcasing high plains and desert sands to mountains and beautiful rock formations.

Adventure begins in Wyoming – whether it is a organized corporate or family retreat at a dude ranch or performing arts in a four star resort or hotel.  Wyoming has much to offer the family vacation or corporate event.

Wyoming Vacation is a post from: Wyoming Tourism