Buford, Colorado might just be one of the most peculiar places on our vast planet—a town with a population of one person! Yes, you read that right. This intriguing location was officially recognized as the smallest town in the United States, which makes it an interesting subject of exploration for anyone curious about the dynamics of small communities. But why has Buford captured so much attention? Let's journey through its past and present, and perhaps glimpse its future.
Nestled in the expansive meadows of northwestern Colorado—about halfway between the vibrant city of Denver to the east and picturesque Aspen to the south—Buford's story starts in the late 19th century. Originally established as a railroad town in 1890, it sprang to life as a buzzing settlement during the Colorado mining boom. At its zenith, Buford was home to about 2,000 bustling inhabitants. However, as the rail lines went silent and the gold lost its luster, citizens gradually moved away, leaving Buford to slip into history's quieter realms.
What remained was a charming dot on a map that suggests both simplicity and solitude. Buford stretches across just under one acre of land, and its real intrigue began when Don Sammons, a native of Los Angeles, moved in from California in 1980 with his family. By the late 1990s, Don was the sole resident of this mountain ghost town, serving not only as the town's protector but also as its telltale storyteller and unofficial 'mayor.' An enthusiastic conversationalist, Don operated the lone convenience store and post office—a hub of Buford's social life for the few who dropped by.
In 2012, Don decided it was time to bid farewell to his life as a singular citizen, opting to auction the entire town. Imagine having the possibility to buy a whole town! Unsurprisingly, this generated widespread curiosity, with global bidders eager to own a piece of American frontier history. Eventually, Buford was sold to a Vietnamese businessman for $900,000. Today, the transformation continues as the plans of its new owner unfold, sparking talk of tourism and development in this unique locale.
Buford represents more than just geological coordinates; it is a living metaphor for the ebb and flow of human endeavor and settlement. Its existence serves to remind us of the rich tapestry of American pioneering spirit, a microcosm of adaptation and reinvention that speaks to humans' innate drive to explore and inhabit all corners of the earth—no matter how remote or quaint.
Visitors venturing to Buford are treated to stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains, along with the peaceful solitude that such a sparse population endows. The surrounding White River National Forest offers sweeping landscapes, dense forests, and a bounty of trails for hiking enthusiasts. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the area's serene beauty, secure in the knowledge that they share this magical wilderness with little more than wildlife and, perhaps, one or two other intrepid explorers.
Despite its tiny size, Buford's narrative is far from dull. It is a place where isolation breathes innovation, and where community is defined not by sheer numbers, but by its spirit and stories. Buford presents us with the contemplation of how humans adapt to and transform their environments and, conversely, how these environments shape human lives.
For travelers, amateur historians, and dreamers alike, Buford embodies a delightful paradox: a town that is both rich in past adventures and ripe with stories yet to be told. It reminds us of humanity's perennial quest—whether in bustling metropolises or quiet corners like Buford—to find our place within this world and appreciate the journey at hand. It stands as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and our endless capacity to reinvent and thrive.