Buford, Colorado: The Town with a Population of One

Imagine living in a town where you are the mayor, the sheriff, and the only resident. Welcome to Buford, Colorado, a unique place that has captured the imagination of many. Buford is a tiny unincorporated community located in the scenic Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It was founded in 1890 during the height of the gold rush, but today, it is known for having a population of just one person. This peculiar situation arose when Don Sammons, the last remaining resident, decided to sell the town in 2012. The town was sold at an auction for $900,000 to a Vietnamese businessman, Pham Dinh Nguyen, who saw potential in this one-person town.

Buford's story is a fascinating reflection of the boom-and-bust cycles that have shaped many small towns in America. During its heyday, Buford was a bustling community with a post office, a school, and a general store. However, as the gold rush faded and people moved on to other opportunities, the town's population dwindled. By the time Don Sammons arrived in the 1980s, Buford was already a shadow of its former self. Sammons, who was looking for a quieter life, embraced the solitude and became the town's sole resident, running the general store and serving as the unofficial mayor.

The sale of Buford in 2012 brought a new chapter to the town's history. Pham Dinh Nguyen, the new owner, had grand plans to transform Buford into a destination for tourists and businesses. He renamed the town "PhinDeli Town Buford" and introduced a Vietnamese coffee brand, hoping to attract visitors and create a unique cultural experience. While the idea was innovative, the challenges of maintaining a business in such a remote location proved daunting. Despite the difficulties, Buford remains a symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of small-town America.

Buford's story also highlights the broader issues facing rural communities across the United States. Many small towns struggle with declining populations, limited economic opportunities, and the loss of essential services. As young people move to urban areas in search of jobs and a more vibrant lifestyle, towns like Buford face an uncertain future. However, there is also a growing movement to revitalize these communities by promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and preserving their unique histories.

While some may view Buford as a curiosity or a relic of the past, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the value of preserving our cultural heritage. The town's story resonates with those who appreciate the beauty of rural life and the challenges that come with it. It also sparks conversations about the future of small towns and the need for innovative solutions to ensure their survival.

For those who have never visited Buford, the town offers a glimpse into a different way of life. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Buford is a place where time seems to stand still. It's a place where the hustle and bustle of modern life fade away, and the simple pleasures of nature take center stage. Whether you're drawn to its history, its solitude, or its potential for reinvention, Buford is a town that captures the imagination and invites reflection.

In a world that often prioritizes growth and progress, Buford stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity and the power of one person's vision. It challenges us to think about what makes a community and how we can support the places that hold our shared history. As we look to the future, Buford reminds us that even the smallest towns have stories worth telling and dreams worth pursuing.