The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18)
Apparently Don Sammon doesn't know that scripture. He is the only resident of Buford, Wyoming compared to 204,214 residents in Richmond, Virginia according to the latest Census for the Richmond region. In fact, Richmond's population has increased for the first time in 40 years from 197,790 residents in 2000 to 204,214 in 2010.
When Don Sammons moved to Buford, Wyoming it was a booming metropolis of 7 residents. Today Don is the only resident there. He left Los Angeles in 1980 looking for a quieter lifestyle and it looks like he’s found it in Buford. He runs a gas station and convenience store in the windy town. Sammons sells souvenirs like mugs, hats and postcards and is happy to go home at the end of the day to his isolated mountain top perch. He says he loves the slow pace and never feels lonely.
He is the mayor, runs the post office, service station, grocery store and liquor store for those who pass through; however he is the only one whose zip code is 82052. He doesn't get to share it with anyone else.
According to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, Buford is located between Laramie and Cheyenne on Interstate 80. It is 8000 feet (2500 m) of elevation, making it the highest community on Interstate 80. The community is noted for the Buford Trading Post. It has a population of 1 person, and is the smallest town in the United States.
Buford was established during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in Wyoming. At this time the town boasted a population of 2000 itinerant workers. As the railroad progressed, these workers moved west with the railroad; Buford has shrunk ever since. In 1880 a post office was built, and the community was renamed Buford in honor of Major General John Buford.
Here is a welcome letter from the mayor that is in the Buford Trading Post. If you are ever passing through, Don Sammons would be glad to have you visit his town.
Welcome to Buford, Wyoming, Population 1! This tiny town has two big claims to fame. First,with a population of only 1 person, Buford is the nation’s smallest town. Sitting at 8,000 feet, Buford is also the highest town in elevation on Interstate 80, the main cross-country route between New York and San Francisco.
Stop by, get some gas, and visit The Buford Trading Post, conveniently located between Cheyenne and Laramie, right along Interstate 80 and Old Lincoln Highway – U.S. 30.
I look forward to meeting you.
Don, The Mayor of Buford
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