Oliver Ames was the president of the Union Pacific Railroad, while his brother Oakes was a Massachusetts congressman.
Behind the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, however, was a nasty scandal.
In this way, the Union Pacific made some $44 million in illegal profits.
When the fraud was uncovered in 1873, Oakes was censured by the Congress.
He died in disgrace two months later, and his brother Oliver followed within four years.
The pyramid was designed by noted American architect H. H. Richardson.
The monument is 60 feet square and 60 feet tall and constructed of light-colored native granite.
It originally featured an interior passage, but this is now sealed.
When it was completed, the pyramid stood on the highest elevation and close to the original transcontinental route.
Trains made brief stops near the monument so that people could get out and visit.
Unfortunately, the Ames brothers fame was short-lived.
In 1901, the tracks were moved 3 miles south to a less expensive route.
Having lost its audience the pyramid was soon forgotten.
The structure is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sources:Wikipedia/Roadside America/Strange But True, America by John Hafnor
