Peering Into Buffalo Gap

Off a two lane highway in eastern South Dakota, we came upon a painted sign that said Buffalo Gap with an arrow pointing down a dirt road. What we found when we took that road is presented here — a mostly vacant town without businesses or people, except for a group of men who took time to share a bit of the town’s story, and a conversation with a woodworker named Neal about the one business that’s booming — making caskets. And a memorable moment hearing about his dog.

Some of the image quality is rough, but my hope is that the quality of what was exchanged makes up for it.

Buffalo Gap was founded in 1877. It was a thriving railroad hub and one of the largest towns in South Dakota in its early years. Today the population hovers around 180 people. The town burned down several times, but many of these buildings are original. The town’s name comes from a gap in the land where buffalos found shelter.