New entrance being built at Otto Cemetery

The construction of a new entrance for the Otto Cemetery has begun with plans to be finished by Memorial Day.

The Semi-quincentennial Planning Task Force announced funding for the project in September.  It has since added two more from Big Horn County — one submitted by the Town of Greybull for a new flagpole, the other for the continued restoration of the Historic Red Shell School.

Along with the new entrance, the Otto Cemetery plans to add a metal engraved sign reading: Otto Cemetery Est: 1889 entrance built in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“Not everyone knows this, but Otto played a large role in the settling of the Big Horn Basin,” said Camilla Hancock, who submitted the grant application on behalf of the Otto Cemetery District. “The cemetery was started even before Wyoming became a state. 

“There are so many interesting and wonderful people buried there. Veterans, some of the Basin’s first schoolteachers, cattle thieves and settlers peacefully lie there in a cemetery with an entrance that is oftentimes missed. These original Wyomingites deserve to be found and visited, and that won’t happen if people can’t find their burial site.”

Hancock described how the project was conceived.  “I knew the cemetery had a brick archway years ago. I wanted to incorporate brick into the design to pay tribute to that past work and nod towards the many homes in Otto which were originally there and built with brick. I also wanted to incorporate wagon/tractor wheels to pay homage to those who settled the area and worked so hard to make the area livable.”

Hancock said she ran into Brady Wardell, a mason who had done stonework for her and her husband the previous year, at last year’s Memorial Day program.  “I approached him about helping and he was very excited. I didn’t know before, but his parents had been caretakers of the Otto Cemetery years ago, and it was actually his father, Merlin Wardell who had built the brick archway at the entrance. He has since told me several times that he wanted to do something for so long and this grant is giving him a chance to act on those desires.”

 While the grant is covering most of the costs, Hancock recently made a public Facebook plea, requesting additional donations.  Within minutes of her post, contributors began approaching her.   “Almost every single person who donated asked us to please let them know if we ended up needing more because they were willing to donate more,” she said. 

Hancock said the anticipates the dedication of the new entrance to take place during the Otto Cemetery’s Memorial Day program. “We always have a nice program, but the 2026 one will be extra special,” she said. “We encourage everyone to plan on attending as we celebrate the dedication and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”

Governor Gordon established the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force to develop and coordinate events and activities that honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

The grants program allows communities to recognize and celebrate Wyoming’s unique role in American history and to explore both Wyoming’s legacy and future potential.  

Here are brief descriptions of the other two Big Horn County projects that have been approved for funding:

“Town of Greybull Celebrate America Flagpole — ‘With the installation of the 60’ flagpole, we will be installing a commemorative plate highlighting the State of Wyoming and what makes Wyoming and Greybull so unique. Examples might include the date of statehood, our nickname ‘the Equality State’ and the significant contributions made by locals.” 

“Historic Red Shell School, Shell: A Vision for Vibrant Community Park – Shell Rural Education History — Rural schools have long been essential in shaping education and community life across the United States. The Shell Valley once had nine rural schoolhouses; today, one of only two that remain in Shell, and the only one still owned by the public. This is a three-phased project to restore the schoolhouse and create a community park.”