Discover Buford

Buford represents the history of the transcontinental railroad and a place where this past remains visible in distinctive traces. The Ames Monument is particularly prominent in the surrounding area: the 60-foot-high, pyramid-shaped granite monument was erected in 1881 in honor of Oliver and Oakes Ames. Both held influential leadership roles in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. For travelers interested in American history, architecture, and railroads, Buford therefore offers an unusually clear focus.

The Ames Monument as a Focal Point

The monument was designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson. In July 2017, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Its shape and size make the structure a memorable destination, while its history points directly to the development of railroads in the western United States. Families traveling with children can use this place to explain engineering achievements, railway construction, and the people behind the history of the railroad in a vivid way.

The area around the monument also tells of Buford’s former importance. On the hill at the foot of the Ames Monument are the foundations of the roundhouse, turntable, second depot, and a water tank. The area around the Buford stop was once also a quarry that supplied a large part of the Union Pacific with “Sherman Granite.” These traces add the history of the town’s work and infrastructure to the perspective provided by the monument.

Buford and the Original Railroad Line

Buford originally lay along the railroad lines approaching the Sherman Hill Summit and was one of the railroad towns established in 1866 during the “Hell on Wheels” era. When the line entered Albany County, Union Pacific established a depot in Buford. Later, the population declined after the railroad moved on. The town therefore connects not only a significant structure with the railroad, but also shows how closely the development of a settlement could be tied to the route of a railway line.

The railroad embankment at the Buford stop is part of the original Union Pacific railroad line. South of it, Union Pacific’s modern main line runs 600 feet away. The tracks running east of Buford have some of Union Pacific’s steepest grades, at 1.58%. In addition, the interstate between the Buford stop and the next exit runs directly along the original Union Pacific alignment. These details also make the site interesting for visitors who enjoy placing historic transportation routes in the context of their present-day surroundings.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Buford is located along Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie. From I-80, the Ames Monument is reached partly via a gravel road. When planning your trip, it is therefore useful to consider the location and preferred route already when searching for a holiday rental. If the monument and railroad history are the main focus, Buford can serve as a clear thematic base. Those who would also like to include another place in their search can consider Laramie as an additional option without losing sight of Buford’s distinctive historical character.

The Ames Monument grounds were open year-round in suitable weather; the outdoor areas were accessible daily around the clock. This makes it possible to incorporate a visit into your travel plans independently of a specific event date. Nevertheless, take the weather into account if you would like to explore the outdoor areas. A holiday rental or vacation home in Buford is particularly suitable for a trip planned deliberately around this historic location, allowing you to shape the available days around your own priorities, from the monument and railroad embankment to the region’s railroad history.

For the broader travel overview: Albany.