Buxton

Iowa's ghost towns are coal camps and railroad towns in a state that farmed too well to need many of them.

The Buxton Wonders was a small club of black baseball players formed in Buxton, Iowa, running from approximately 1907 to 1920. Buxton, Iowa, was a company town founded by the Consolidation Coal Company in 1900. It remained a productive coal mining town until at least 1919. During many of those years, the company and town were host to the Buxton Wonders. The team also toured much of Iowa and the surrounding states. In 1909, the Buxton Wonders won one game and lost one game in Buxton, Iowa, against the Chicago Union Giants, facing pitchers, "the Lyons brothers," Jimmie Lyons and Bennie Lyons.

The on-the-ground condition of Buxton is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Buxton is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.