CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Oct. 16, 2026– Wyoming’s historic Spanish-American War Memorial will return to public view following conservation and relocation to the front lawn of the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Ave., on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., with a rededication ceremony commemorating the monument’s return and honoring the Wyoming National Guard volunteers whose service it represents.
Most recently situated at the corner of Central Avenue and 24th Street, the memorial, called “Taking the Oath,” was removed and placed in storage during the Capitol restoration and rehabilitation project. Conservation of the historic sculpture will be completed this month in preparation for its installation at the new location.
On Feb. 15, 1898, an accidental sinking of the USS Maine anchored in Havana harbor thrust America toward a war with Spain for which its Regular Army was ill- prepared. On April 1, 1898, Wyoming Governor William A. Richards offered the 1st Wyoming Regiment for federal service. By the end of the month, Congress had declared war, and Wyoming units were notified of mobilization.
As a tribute, this Spanish-American War Memorial was created with funds provided by the state and raised by the Ladies Volunteer Aid Society. J.J. Owen, a corporal in the 11th Infantry at Fort D.A. Russell, who also served in the Philippines, was the statue’s model. It was originally dedicated on Jan. 26, 1905.
“This memorial honors the Wyoming volunteers who answered the call to serve their country. But it also tells a broader story of a community coming together to commemorate that service and the importance of preserving our shared history,” said Nathan Doerr, interim museum director. “Its conservation and return to public view ensure that both the service it commemorates and the historic work of art itself will be appreciated for generations to come.”
The rededication ceremony will include remarks from Governor Mark Gordon and Major General Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, and a wreath-laying ceremony. The Wyoming National Guard honor guard will present military honors.
Descendants of First Sergeant Christian Hepp will lead the pledge of allegiance. Hepp served in Company C, 1st Wyoming Volunteers, and was a Color Sergeant early in the deployment. He and Edmund Geyer raised the 1st Wyoming colors over the Luneta Barracks in Manila.
A reception will follow in the Wyoming State Museum. Wyoming National Guard flags from the Spanish-American War and World War I, as well as a Wyoming Spanish-American War uniform, will also be on exhibit in the Museum.
The recently published book, Cowboy Soldiers: The History of the Wyoming National Guard from 1870 to 1945, will also be for sale in the museum lobby. The book was published by the Wyoming National Guard Historical Society.
The Wyoming State Museum is part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. To learn more, visit wyomuseum.wyo.gov.
Figure 1: Preparations for the 2018 removal of Wyoming’s Spanish-American War Memorial from the front of the Capitol. Following conservation, the monument, “Taking the Oath,” will be rededicated on October 29.
