Ghost Towns of the Rockies

Hereford

Ghost town in Weld County, Colorado · Eastern Plains district

Founded
1890
Peak Population
~100
Elevation
5,100 ft
Primary Industry
railroad
County
Weld
Coordinates
40.9750, -104.3060
View on Interactive Map Directions (Google Maps)

History

Named for Frank Benton's Hereford cattle ranch. Chicago businessman Frederick Findeisen invested $1-2 million building up the town, including dredging land, building canals, a $50,000 hotel, expensive homes, and even a golf course on the open prairie. He hired architect John Van Bergen, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, to design Prairie Style buildings. The 1930s drought and Depression wiped out the entire investment.

Visiting Hereford

What remains: Near-ghost town. Unincorporated community with post office (ZIP 80732). Minimal population.

Access: County roads north of Grover in far northeastern Weld County near the Wyoming border.

Photos

The welcome sign in Hereford, Colorado.
The welcome sign in Hereford, Colorado. — Jeffrey Beall (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hereford?

Hereford is located in Weld County, Colorado, in the Eastern Plains area at an elevation of 5,100 ft, coordinates 40.9750, -104.3060.

Can you visit Hereford today?

County roads north of Grover in far northeastern Weld County near the Wyoming border.

What remains at Hereford?

Near-ghost town. Unincorporated community with post office (ZIP 80732). Minimal population.

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