Benjamin Franklin
Statue
A significant historical landmark at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, standing as the first statue of Benjamin Franklin erected west of the Mississippi River.
Historical Overview
Artist
The statue was created by Robert Russin (1914–2007), a renowned UW art professor and sculptor who lived in Laramie for 60 years.
Creation & Dedication
Commissioned in 1955 to honor the 250th anniversary of Franklin's birth, the statue was installed on April 1, 1957, and formally dedicated on May 24, 1957.
Benefactors
It was gifted to the university by the Richardson family (Warren, Clarence, and Valeria) of Casper and Cheyenne at a cost of approximately $17,500.
Unique Distinction
It is notably the first statue of Benjamin Franklin erected west of the Mississippi River.
Physical Features
Material & Size
The statue is a seven-foot-tall bronze figure resting on a large, polished granite base.
Rare Depiction
It is one of only four statues in the world that depicts Franklin standing.
Inscription Controversy
The base describes Franklin as a "scientist, man of letters, economist, politician," but notably excludes "printer and journalist," which sparked satirical student protests in the 1950s.
Location & Accessibility
Address
200 N 9th St, Laramie, WY 82072
Landmark Proximity
Situated in a shaded area of the UW campus, just west of the "Wyoming Family" statue.
Student Life
Over decades, it has become a central part of university culture, serving as a popular spot for graduation photos and informal student meetings.
Plan Your Visit
Located south of the Arts and Sciences Building on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie.
Get DirectionsHistory & Background
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was one of the most remarkable figures in American history — a printer, author, inventor, scientist, diplomat, and Founding Father who helped shape the United States from its earliest colonial days through the founding of the republic. Born in Boston, Franklin moved to Philadelphia at age 17 and built a publishing empire through hard work and sharp intelligence. His Poor Richard's Almanack, published annually from 1732 to 1758, became one of the best-selling publications in colonial America and remains a source of quotations today.
Franklin's scientific contributions were matched by his political achievements. His famous kite experiment demonstrating the electrical nature of lightning led to the invention of the lightning rod, which protected buildings and ships worldwide. As a diplomat in France during the Revolutionary War, his charm and reputation secured the French alliance that proved decisive for American independence. He helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris (1783) that ended the war and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, lending his enormous prestige to the new government.
Benjamin Franklin statues appear in cities and communities across the United States because he represents a uniquely American set of virtues: self-reliance, practical intelligence, civic engagement, and the belief that ordinary people could improve themselves and their communities through education and hard work. In Wyoming — a state defined by independence, hard work, and frontier values — Franklin's legacy resonates with the community character that built the region. A Franklin statue in Wyoming connects the frontier West to the Founding generation's ideals of democratic citizenship.
Nearby Attractions
Wyoming State Museum
Located in Cheyenne, the Wyoming State Museum offers free admission and comprehensive coverage of Wyoming's natural and human history. Exhibits trace the state's journey from prehistoric seas through dinosaur periods, Indigenous cultures, the fur trade, the Oregon and California Trails, and the cattle ranching era that defined the modern state's identity.
Wyoming State Capitol
The Cheyenne capitol, completed in 1888, is modeled on the U.S. Capitol and features a stunning Tiffany stained glass ceiling in the dome. Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote (1869) and the first to elect a woman governor (1925). The capitol's history reflects Wyoming's pioneering record on women's political rights.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Documents the history of Cheyenne Frontier Days — the "Daddy of 'em All" rodeo and Western festival held annually since 1897. Collections include historic stagecoaches, rodeo equipment, and art celebrating Western heritage. The adjacent Frontier Park hosts the annual rodeo, one of the largest in the world, drawing competitors and spectators each July.