Wheatland Wyoming Has A Statue Of Liberty

Douglas, Wyoming, has a giant statue of a Jackalope. That's impressive. But did you know that Wheatland, Wyoming, has a Statue of Liberty?

Erected in the 1940s, you can find it on the northeast corner of the Platte County Courthouse lawn. It is not full-size. No, you can't walk inside it. It is one of several small-scale "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" monuments found in Wyoming and across the United States.

This monument was part of a nationwide initiative as part of the 40th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, which launched a campaign to "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty." The scouts distributed hundreds of these replicas across the country to promote patriotism, loyalty, and freedom.

This copper-green statue is set on a rectangular base with brass plaques honoring local veterans.

Wheatland, Wyoming, is one of those towns that you might just buzz by on Interstate 25. But don't. Go into town and explore. You'll love their downtown area. It's cute.

Wheatland was formed in the 1880s thanks to a massive irrigation project that turned dry, desert land into rich farmland. Ranchers and investors formed the Wyoming Development Company in 1883 to build canals and tunnels. Then came the Cheyenne and Northern Railway in 1887, which helped farmers ship crops, like wheat and sugar beets.

If you drive east of Wheatland on its back highways, you'll see long, stretching wheat fields.

They also have a power plant and a charming little airport.

Downtown is right next to the Laramie River. You'll enjoy the cute little shops and restaurants.