Bard, named after a settlement in Texas, enjoyed several locations, the last of which can be seen on paved Historic Route 66. Its post office was established in 1908 and closed only recently. The last site came into being in 1954 when Route 66 changed locations. Route 66 changed from a wagon-rut road to a graveled thoroughfare to a paved highway and was relocated several times as the need arose. From Glenrio to Tucumcari, the early roadbed was alongside the Tucumcari and Memphis Railroad, constructed in 1910 and abandoned in 1954.
Travelers can still see wood and steel bridge supports along that roadbed.
Its post office came into being in 1906 and is still operating. As schools consolidated, San Jon became the center of education. A stop at the village post office will help the history buff learn more about the early days. I-40 and Hwy 469. The first building in what was to become San Jon was built in 1902, and railroad construction in 1904 caused the little settlement to boom.