Oakes Ames

Republican Representative of Massachusetts's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 10, 1804 (69 years old)

Birthday

May 8, 1873

Death

American businessman, investor, and politician.
Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts from 1863 to 1873.
Played a crucial role in the construction of the Union Pacific portion of the transcontinental railroad.
Influential in the establishment of the Republican Party in Massachusetts.
Held a position on the Committee on Railroads during his congressional tenure.
Involved in a significant scandal related to the improper sale of stock in the railroad’s construction company, leading to a House investigation and censure.
His family business, Ames Shovel Shop, thrived during the Civil War due to contracts for military supplies.
The contributions of Ames and his brother to the railroad are commemorated by a monument in Wyoming.
The city of Ames, Iowa, is named in his honor.