Near Buford in Albany County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Tree Rock
This small pine tree that seems to be growing out of solid rock has fascinated travelers since the first train rolled past on the Union Pacific Railroad. It is said that the builders of the original railroad diverted the tracks slightly to pass by the tree as they laid rails across Sherman Mountain in 1867-69. It is also said that trains stopped here while locomotive fireman "gave the tree a drink" from their water buckets. The railroad moved several miles to the south in 1901 and the abandoned grade became a wagon road.
In 1913 the Lincoln Highway Association was formed "To procure the establishment of a continuous improved highway from the Atlantic to the Pacific." The Lincoln Highway was an instant success in a nation enamored with the newfangled automobiles and eager for a place to drive them. The Lincoln passed right by Tree Rock as did U.S. 30 in the 1920s and Interstate 80 in the 1960s. At this place the road was approaching the 8,835-foot Sherman Summit, the highest point on the Lincoln. The view of the surrounding mountains was like nothing that westbound easterners had ever seen. Still, they noticed the little tree, which became the favored subject of many early postcards and photographs. It still is.
The tree is a somewhat stunted and twisted limber pine (Pinus Flexilis), a type of tree commonly found in this area where ponderosa and limber pines dominate the landscape. The age of the tree is unknown, although limber pines can live as long as 2,000 years. The tree grows out of a crack in a boulder of Precambrian era pink Sherman granite formed more than 1-4 billion years ago.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees, the Lincoln Highway, and the Transcontinental Railroad series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 41° 8.019′ N, 105° 20.807′ W. Marker is near Buford, Wyoming, in Albany County. Marker is on Interstate 80 at milepost 332, in the median. Marker is located in a median pullout on I-80. It is 3.3 miles east of Exit 329 and 2.3 miles west of Exit 335. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Buford WY 82052, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Tree in the Rock (here, next to this marker); Sherman Mountains (a few steps from this marker); Lonetree on the Laramie Range (a few steps from this marker); Ames Monument (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Transcontinental Railroad (approx. 2.7 miles away); Pyramid on the Plains (approx. 2.7 miles away); Old Sherman Cemetery (approx. 2.8 miles away); The Purple Heart Trail (approx. 8˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buford.
Also see . . . Tree in the Rock, in Wyoming. Amusing Planet website entry (Submitted on November 12, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2012, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,689 times since then and 129 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2012, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on January 1, 2013, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on August 24, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.