In 1875 the management of the Union Pacific Railroad decided to honor Oakes Ames, one of the founders of the road (and unfairly tarnished by the Crédit Mobilier scandal in order to protect the members of Congress directly involved). Sherman, Wyoming was at that time the summit of the original line over Sherman Hill, and the impressive monument was easily seen by passengers in passing trains. Sadly for the efforts of all involved, major line relocations made under E.H. Harriman in the early twentieth century re-routed the mainline far from the original line, leaving the monument unseen. Today it is maintained by the State of Wyoming. (Note: Ames is not buried in the grave in the foreground.)
