Andy Artist honored for heroic acts as pump house engineer in Cheyenne
July 04, 2025 | Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming
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In the heart of Cheyenne, a rich tapestry of history unfolds as the City Council delves into the legacy of the Pumphouse and its engineers. The recent work session, held on July 4, 2025, brought to light the remarkable stories of individuals who shaped the city's water supply and safety.
Among the notable figures discussed was Andy Artist, a veteran of the Veil War and one of the first locomotive engineers for the Union Pacific Railroad. His journey took a tragic turn when a train wreck left him with a severe leg injury, leading to a lawsuit against the railroad. This injury, which nearly resulted in amputation, ultimately redirected his career to become the pump house engineer. Despite his struggles, Artist emerged as a local hero, known for his bravery in saving cattle from a train and rescuing a boy from drowning. His community involvement extended beyond his engineering duties, as he was an active member of several local organizations, including the Freemasons and the Cheyenne Elks Lodge.
The meeting also highlighted the subsequent pumpmen, including Richard Wilson, who had a brief tenure, and Nicholas Stoll, who immigrated from Germany. Stoll's family history is particularly poignant; his daughter was born in the pump house, and his great-grandson, now the mayor of Astoria, Oregon, is set to join a historical tour via FaceTime, connecting past and present.
The Pumphouse itself, a significant structure, housed a massive steam pump capable of drawing three million gallons of water daily. The council discussed the operational challenges, including the high cost of coal needed to power the steam engines, which amounted to $2,500 annually—equivalent to about $85,000 today. The pumpmen were responsible for maintaining water pressure and signaling the community through a system of whistles and bells, which sometimes proved unreliable.
An intriguing moment in the meeting was the recounting of a water quality crisis in 1895, when residents complained of foul-tasting water, leading to school closures. Investigations revealed a shocking discovery: the reservoir contained a thick layer of mud and filth, raising concerns about public health and safety.
As the council continues to explore the Pumphouse's history, the stories of its engineers and the challenges they faced serve as a reminder of the vital role infrastructure plays in community well-being. The meeting not only honored the past but also sparked curiosity about how these historical narratives shape Cheyenne's identity today.
Among the notable figures discussed was Andy Artist, a veteran of the Veil War and one of the first locomotive engineers for the Union Pacific Railroad. His journey took a tragic turn when a train wreck left him with a severe leg injury, leading to a lawsuit against the railroad. This injury, which nearly resulted in amputation, ultimately redirected his career to become the pump house engineer. Despite his struggles, Artist emerged as a local hero, known for his bravery in saving cattle from a train and rescuing a boy from drowning. His community involvement extended beyond his engineering duties, as he was an active member of several local organizations, including the Freemasons and the Cheyenne Elks Lodge.
The meeting also highlighted the subsequent pumpmen, including Richard Wilson, who had a brief tenure, and Nicholas Stoll, who immigrated from Germany. Stoll's family history is particularly poignant; his daughter was born in the pump house, and his great-grandson, now the mayor of Astoria, Oregon, is set to join a historical tour via FaceTime, connecting past and present.
The Pumphouse itself, a significant structure, housed a massive steam pump capable of drawing three million gallons of water daily. The council discussed the operational challenges, including the high cost of coal needed to power the steam engines, which amounted to $2,500 annually—equivalent to about $85,000 today. The pumpmen were responsible for maintaining water pressure and signaling the community through a system of whistles and bells, which sometimes proved unreliable.
An intriguing moment in the meeting was the recounting of a water quality crisis in 1895, when residents complained of foul-tasting water, leading to school closures. Investigations revealed a shocking discovery: the reservoir contained a thick layer of mud and filth, raising concerns about public health and safety.
As the council continues to explore the Pumphouse's history, the stories of its engineers and the challenges they faced serve as a reminder of the vital role infrastructure plays in community well-being. The meeting not only honored the past but also sparked curiosity about how these historical narratives shape Cheyenne's identity today.
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