US 180 is the major road running through Bayard.

When Bayard was founded it was nothing more than a depot on the Santa Fe railroad and a homesteader's ranch house. The depot was known as Hall's station and the town as Bayard Station. Fort Bayard Historical site is located just above nearby Santa Clara. Although many of the buildings remain, only a few are in restored condition such as the Doctor's and Officer's quarters. Famous World War I general "Black Jack" Pershing served here during New Mexico's Territorial years. The fort was also home to several of the reknowned Buffalo Soldiers who were part of the group of soldiers who participated in the establishment of the fort.