Buford, Wyoming, an extraordinary settlement with a fluctuating population between one and zero, stands as a testament to the quiet allure of the American West. Positioned at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level along Interstate 80, this locale, once a bustling military fort and railroad stop, has transformed into a peculiar yet essential pit stop for travelers. Its past is rich with tales of a vibrant community, while its present focuses on providing vital services amidst a backdrop of majestic mountains and expansive high plains. The enduring Buford Trading Post, a gas station and convenience store, serves as the town's sole operational business, offering fuel, snacks, and a glimpse into this unique corner of Wyoming.

Originally established in 1866 as a military fortification and a key point on the transcontinental railroad, Buford once harbored a thriving community of up to 2,000 inhabitants. However, the subsequent relocation of the fort to Laramie and a significant rerouting of the railway lines led to the town's isolation and a drastic decline in its population. By 2004, its post office, a symbol of its dwindling community, officially closed. For a period, the town's only resident was its owner, Don Sammons, who eventually decided to auction off the entire town in 2012.

The auction of Buford captured national attention, particularly when it was purchased for $900,000 by Nguyen Dinh Pham, a Vietnamese entrepreneur with a passion for coffee. Under Nguyen's ownership, Buford became the headquarters for his PhinDeli Corporation, which retailed Vietnamese coffee at the local trading post. While the town briefly gained a resident during this period, its population reverted to zero by 2018. The Buford Trading Post, now under new stewardship, no longer features Nguyen's Vietnamese coffee but continues to provide a welcoming stop for travelers. It has expanded its services to include a diesel fuel island, and there are plans to convert one of the existing structures into a rentable accommodation, offering a much-needed haven for those delayed by road closures on this remote stretch of highway.

Visiting Buford offers a distinctive experience, showcasing a blend of historical resilience and modern-day utility. Its strategic location, less than two hours from Denver International Airport and a short drive from Laramie, makes it an accessible and intriguing destination. The town, with its silent, abandoned structures and the solitary, operational trading post, epitomizes the vast, untamed spirit of Wyoming, inviting visitors to ponder its past and appreciate its quiet, yet significant, role for those traversing the high plains.