In WY, a monument was erected in 1882 to honor the two financial backers of the UPRR. Have you heard of Oliver Ames and Oaks Ames, who were born in 1804 and 1807? The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) was backed by Oakes and Oliver Ames. Please note: Oaks Ames was a corrupt Congressman who was caught up in a huge financial scandal after the Civil War. Gee, I wonder if it had to do with where the railroad was built?