10 SMALLEST Towns in KANSAS

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 7. 08. 2024
  • Become a member!
    Patreon: / travelwithawiseguy
    CZcams Membership: / @travelwithawiseguy
    Follow/support my travels:
    Website: www.travelwithawiseguy.com/
    Email/Newsletter: www.travelwithawiseguy.com/ne...
    Merchandise Store: travel-with-a-wiseguy.printif...
    Facebook: / travelwithawiseguy
    Instagram: / travel_wiseguy
    Travel blog: www.travelwithawiseguy.com/my...
    Twitter: / john_wise_wsu
    Contact: jwise@goshockers.com
    How small are the smallest towns in one of the least populated states in America? Take this trip around The Sunflower State with me as I visit all of the top-10 smallest towns in Kansas (source 2019 US Census estimates). This is one of the most enjoyable trips I have taken! Even though these places are barely dots on a map, they all have a history to be told and hold a certain type of charm and beauty for people like me. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did making it!
    MUSIC
    You are the Only - TrackTribe
    Under the Wire - The Mini Vandals
    All Hail the Queen - Dan Lebowitz
    Michigan Greens - Dan Lebowitz
    Jeremiah's Song - Dan Lebowitz
    Log Cabin - SIlent Partner
    5-O-July - Dan Lebowitz
    0:00 Intro
    0:52 Hollenberg
    2:36 Oak Hill
    4:17 Scottsville
    6:05 Cedar
    8:08 Frederick
    11:31 Latimer
    13:27 Lone Elm
    15:30 Mildred
    17:30 Bassett
    19:00 Penalosa
    20:39 Freeport
    22:37 Waldron

Komentáře • 997

  • @anj3595
    @anj3595 Před 2 lety +109

    Being from Kansas, I see beauty where others see none.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +15

      I agree! Kansas has some uniquely beautiful places!

    • @Fat_Thor_Ate_Loki
      @Fat_Thor_Ate_Loki Před rokem +5

      My special ability is that I see ugliness where some people see beauty.

    • @karoonboomie2813
      @karoonboomie2813 Před rokem +16

      Yes, I’m a Kansan also, there is beauty all around us, they just have to open their eyes❣️🇺🇸🫶🏻

    • @lovetofly32
      @lovetofly32 Před rokem +6

      Isn't that true! Same here! I like exploring around our lakes. Makes you realize it's actually a pretty state. Im kinda glad people see it that way. I love the wide open spaces. I absolutely don't see what people like about the big inner cities. I've driven truck in every big city over the years and I couldn't live in one for more than a week and I'd have to leave.

    • @jvikingj1006
      @jvikingj1006 Před rokem +1

      Amen brother

  • @minkorrh
    @minkorrh Před rokem +8

    The nicest thing about little farming communities like this is that they don't need the internet to exist. They just exist because they are actually important. Food is important.

  • @sundevil0271
    @sundevil0271 Před 2 lety +72

    I was born and raised in Kansas and I had honestly never heard of most of these towns. Thanks for bringing be back home and for exploring our beautiful state!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +3

      You’re welcome - thanks for watching! I would probably be the same for the state I grew up in! (Ohio)

    • @blackrose3753
      @blackrose3753 Před 2 lety +2

      did you live in the plains area, I'd love to retire down their and see thunderstorms. How where the storms developing down their like?

    • @sundevil0271
      @sundevil0271 Před 2 lety +5

      @@blackrose3753 the storms are beautiful in Kansas!

    • @sandralynn6817
      @sandralynn6817 Před 2 lety +1

      Except for Penalosa I've never heard of the other towns either. My Aunt Carol and her family lived there. One of my cousins lives outside of town. Oh, and he pronounced Penalosa wrong. He was giving it a Spanish pronunciation.

    • @slippywilly2331
      @slippywilly2331 Před rokem

      Same bro

  • @katblack5109
    @katblack5109 Před rokem +14

    We in Kansas call these towns "Poke and Plum towns". By the time you poke your head out, your plum out of town. Their are a lot of these small towns all over Kansas for sure.

  • @ZeRowe
    @ZeRowe Před 8 měsíci +5

    When you were in Latimer, You’re about 5-6 miles from where I live in Herington.. Latimer used to be a happening place, At one time the famous rock band “KANSAS” played over there back when they were still paying their dues.. The church that is there was moved from the WWII airfield in Delavan ks about 6 miles south, it was a B-24 bomber HDQ during WWII… I’ve just discovered your channel today and watched a few videos, it’s always fascinating how someone knows something about each little town..

  • @charitygoza5774
    @charitygoza5774 Před 3 lety +52

    I grew up in Mound City Kansas and it recently upgraded to having a dollar general! It also has the second oldest court house in the state as well!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 3 lety +3

      Mound City - population 694 - a booming metropolis haha! It looks like it has kind of held steady in the 600-800 range for population for the past 100 years. Lots of history I'm sure!

    • @ketinasquire9219
      @ketinasquire9219 Před 2 lety +4

      That's where I live now Mound City. It's pretty here

    • @WisdomStepsTV
      @WisdomStepsTV Před 2 lety +1

      I grew up in LaCygne.

    • @Gearsturfs
      @Gearsturfs Před 2 lety +2

      I had a potato yesterday for the first time
      Big excitement here

    • @Fat_Thor_Ate_Loki
      @Fat_Thor_Ate_Loki Před rokem

      Is it anywhere near Moundville Missouri?

  • @cornfedlife
    @cornfedlife Před 2 lety +40

    We moved out to Kansas recently from Oregon. Many times we will hear the phrase "Don't bring anyone else here! We don't want to be overrun!" In reality though, if your town isn't growing then it is dying. And don't worry, anyone willing to move to rural Kansas is likely very conservative. Makes me sad to see what once was thriving is now barely hanging on. Almost bought a lil farm in Cedar. Thanks for doing this video. I'm glad you are keeping these tiny places alive by bringing them to attention.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +3

      Thanks for watching! I definitely understand what you’re saying. I’m from a small community in Ohio and feel the same. These places might not be around too much longer so I want to document it before they’re gone.

    • @KA-om9oz
      @KA-om9oz Před rokem

      Naw..just don't want liberal shit heads moving in from west coast

    • @himals92
      @himals92 Před rokem +1

      Smith County born and bred

    • @clon662b3
      @clon662b3 Před rokem

      We don’t care don’t bring anymore ppl here

    • @mikez6683
      @mikez6683 Před měsícem +2

      I’ve lived in KS for 10 years and almost consider it home. I understand why long time Kansans don’t want this state overrun. I was in Colorado for 12 years, and the damage the lefties have done to that state is real and so sad.

  • @terrycook477
    @terrycook477 Před rokem +12

    I was raised in Kansas and much enjoyed this. I miss the friendly people.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      I grew up in Ohio and always noticed that people in Kansas were very kind!

  • @benklassen8559
    @benklassen8559 Před rokem +9

    Born n raised in kansas I love this place.

  • @cuddlegrammie8041
    @cuddlegrammie8041 Před rokem +9

    I'm a Kansas girl 🌻🌺🌻 And enjoyed that very much . Thank you !

  • @ryanweber7826
    @ryanweber7826 Před 2 lety +26

    I love small towns too. I live in eastern Kansas and enjoy driving through these small towns and looking at all the old downtown brick buildings. I think these places show a piece of history of what might have been. Good job and keep making these videos.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +2

      I feel the same! I love exploring the old downtowns and wondering what it was like when it was at its peak. Thanks for watching - I’ll keep making them!

  • @marcia6722
    @marcia6722 Před rokem +10

    Love this video. Love Kansas.

  • @6creed933
    @6creed933 Před rokem +9

    Deer hunting in Kansas is top notch especially around these little towns

  • @StacyL.
    @StacyL. Před 2 lety +51

    We lived on the Kan-Okla border several years ago, and we lived near a small town called Capron. In 2014 when we moved it only had 23 people. As of 2019 it now has 0. It's kind of sad seeing towns fade into non-existence...

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +5

      I was just reading about Capron, Oklahoma, online and it says that it is an "inactive town". I'm not familiar with that except that maybe it's not unicorporated? Interesting history!

    • @Mr.Peanut1986
      @Mr.Peanut1986 Před rokem +6

      Yes it is. Very sad. Like a part of your childhood or life fading away...

    • @tammybarker2110
      @tammybarker2110 Před 2 měsíci

      Lived in Burlington a few years worked in Alva and Kiowa during that time.

  • @bestoddisee
    @bestoddisee Před rokem +9

    I watched this a year after it was posted. I used to ride the BAK (Biking Across Kansas) every year. We stayed in small farm communities. Every year there were fewer people and the small towns began to disappear. A few times, while doing a ‘century’ ( one hundred miles in one ride on a bicycle), we would take a detour to one of the unincorporated stops along the road. I’ve been very sorry to watch parts of my state quietly fade away. I’m glad you’re taking the time to visit and document these areas. Thank you.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      I’ve known a few people who do the BAK and they always speak highly of it! Would be a great experience exploring Kansas and the small towns in that way! Thank you for watching and for the nice comment!

  • @andrewmartin6217
    @andrewmartin6217 Před 2 lety +21

    This was great, thank you. I’ve been all over the state using old maps and books like Ghost Towns of Kansas. Beautiful state and nice people.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +1

      Thank you for watching! There are tons of great little towns and ghost towns to visit in Kansas!

    • @Mr._D513
      @Mr._D513 Před rokem

      hmmm...any ghost towns in Chase County?

  • @lauradeltoro6534
    @lauradeltoro6534 Před 3 lety +11

    Thank you so much for sharing this video and all of the history you explain. FANTASTIC mini history and government lessons contained here!!

  • @goodfriend6428
    @goodfriend6428 Před 3 lety +5

    Nice work! Thank you! Drone shots were especially helpful.

  • @amorylovin2137
    @amorylovin2137 Před 2 lety +8

    Those were beautiful sunsets! Thanks for the tour!

  • @kathybauer9715
    @kathybauer9715 Před 2 lety +19

    I was borned in Wichita Kansas and raised in Mulvane Kansas and this video was so amazing I loved watching this!
    Fantastic job on filming this and Merry Christmas to you!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +1

      Thank you very much! It was a lot of fun to travel around and visit these towns. I appreciate the support! Merry Christmas!

    • @sandralynn6817
      @sandralynn6817 Před 2 lety +2

      Born in Lacrosse, raised in Liberal, Pratt, Great Bend, and Augusta. I learned how to drive in Wichita.

    • @RangerMelB
      @RangerMelB Před rokem +1

      We used to go with Auntie and Uncle to the Brethren Church There.... They lived off East 79th not far from all the Peach orchards that used to be there between Haysville and Derby.

    • @Mr.Peanut1986
      @Mr.Peanut1986 Před rokem +1

      My wife is from Mulvane. :-)

    • @pattisweeden3049
      @pattisweeden3049 Před rokem

      I went to jr high and high school in liberal

  • @TravelwithaWiseguy
    @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +32

    For anyone wondering why their "town" might not be listed, usually it's because of it being unincorporated. Only incorportated towns are eligible for this video! Want to see more videos of Kansas? Here's my entire playlist! czcams.com/play/PL4jqwLUrhjNQaqtIC6QKWGbe0hF8IiHTL.html

    • @RangerMelB
      @RangerMelB Před rokem +2

      that 'ramp' looks like a Silage pit.. I was just about to comment that I hoped you got a sammitch from Regina and her Husband.

    • @jasong428
      @jasong428 Před rokem +1

      What little town in Ohio are you from? Lyons is probably Cleveland compared to whatever it is. Awesome content!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      @@jasong428 Thank you! I grew up on a farm in southern Ohio near the small town of Russellville. Not far from the Ohio River, about 45 minutes east of Cincinnati.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      @@RangerMelB You're probably right haha. Looked like a great place for a dirt bike :) I didn't get one, so maybe I need to go back!

    • @regulardadgaming
      @regulardadgaming Před rokem

      You missed Culver and Beardsley which I believe are both still incorporated and despite what Google will tell you not ghost towns though they are close

  • @otterway
    @otterway Před rokem +3

    Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed the trip!

  • @jackgarlach3362
    @jackgarlach3362 Před 2 lety +9

    John thanks for the wonderful expose' on Kansas smallest towns. I have been traveling Kansas for close to 50 years and honestly can say I have been through 4 of the 10 towns. I am surprised that there are no top ten towns further west in Kansas. You have peeked my curiosity about the history of this great state. Aaaaaw Kansas!!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +2

      Thanks so much for the great comment! I was surprised as well. Russell Springs, KS, was very close and I think might be on the list in the new 2020 Census. It’s a great state full of fascinating history!

  • @davidyager8817
    @davidyager8817 Před 3 lety +9

    I'm from a small town in Kansas and thank you doing a video like that, it was awesome and keep up the good work.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you for the nice comment! I will be doing more on small towns in Kansas this summer.

    • @davidyager8817
      @davidyager8817 Před 3 lety +2

      @@TravelwithaWiseguy You should do some videos of Wilson, Dorrance and Claflin.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 3 lety +2

      @@davidyager8817 Wilson is in one of my water tower videos (short clips). I would definitely like to spend more time in all of those towns!

  • @pianorama
    @pianorama Před rokem +5

    I was born in 1941, grew up in a small farming community, Woodbine, which was about 20 miles SE of Abilene on old highway 77. My parents often visited friends in Wichita and we went to Joyland several times.
    Actually I wrote this comment on the Joyland video, but it ended up here. I have watched, tonight, the entire ghost towns playlist. Boy, do I have stories about Kansas, and could write a book. Thank you for your great videos.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      Oh wow thanks so much for watching so much! Sounds like maybe you should write I book - I’d buy it!

    • @pianorama
      @pianorama Před rokem

      @@TravelwithaWiseguy I'll be sure to let you know.

  • @thomaspolley4977
    @thomaspolley4977 Před rokem +5

    It's always been fascinating to me to see small towns and think of how they used to thrive and now they're fading into history.

  • @billbrown6889
    @billbrown6889 Před 4 měsíci +2

    I was born and raised in manhattan, ks (the little apple) and have lived in Wichita since 1987. Love the state, people and KSU!

  • @jmurry6695
    @jmurry6695 Před rokem +2

    Well done, Sir. Thank u for this. The crunching of your feet on the road u walk gives a homey feeling. Lovely drone footage

  • @edinop4205
    @edinop4205 Před rokem +5

    Thanks Wiseguy for this video! I'm a native Kansan and grew up among of slew of "little towns". I've found it really interesting as to how well some are taken care of, and how some get really destitute. Hope you enjoyed Kansas Hospitality! BTW, went by Mildred hundreds of times, never knew there was a place that made sammiches like that!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +3

      Kansas hospitality is the best! It’s a very interesting state to explore for someone who didn’t grow up here. They definitely won’t leave you hungry in Mildred! 😂 Thank you very much for watching!

  • @bobpatterson3253
    @bobpatterson3253 Před rokem +4

    I lived in Penalosa back in the late 1960 until 1972. My father still lives there. I see nothing has changed except the new building that you stood next to. The store used to be across the street. Brings back old memories. Thank you for sharing

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      He’s one of the few left! I really enjoyed visiting even though it’s better years are in the past. Thanks for watching!

  • @chiefamylee
    @chiefamylee Před 2 lety +1

    Wow, really enjoying your videos. Thank you so very much!

  • @davidlabrada6862
    @davidlabrada6862 Před rokem +5

    I miss Kansas 😢

  • @carolhansing2031
    @carolhansing2031 Před 3 lety +19

    Thank you so very much to add the closed captions, it truly means a lot to us hard of hearing folks. Again, thanks for that. I'm originally from Wabaunsee County, Kansas. Wabaunsee was originally the county seat until the folks from Alma stole all the records and made Alma the County Seat. There are several small towns there with a lot of history too. If you get a chance check out the townsite of Wabaunsee, it's famous for the Beecher Bible & Rifle Church. Paxico, Newbury and McFarland are a few more very small towns. Even Eskridge and Alma are small towns.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 3 lety +2

      Thank you! And CZcams does all the work on those captions fortunately- all I have to do it click a button after I upload it haha. I would love to visit all those places! Honestly if I could, all I would do is visit very small town and document it!

    • @jenferris6879
      @jenferris6879 Před 3 lety +1

      I heard alma was beautiful foot hills....

    • @andrewmartin6217
      @andrewmartin6217 Před 2 lety

      I got married at The Beecher Bible & Rifle Church back in ‘95, on Halloween no less. Nice place. Beautiful country out there.

    • @michaelvrooman5681
      @michaelvrooman5681 Před 2 lety +1

      Harveyville. Alma. Eskridge. Several other small towns in Wabunsee county.and the tiny town of Dover just east of Wabunsee county on Hwy 4

    • @RangerMelB
      @RangerMelB Před rokem

      Carol, it seems there was a lot of that going on in these Eastern KS counties... even here in Allen.. Mostly to do with 'free staters' and them 'others' fighting for control back before statehood.

  • @davidpattersonjr5333
    @davidpattersonjr5333 Před 2 lety +7

    I’m in Southeast Kansas now!!! Grew up in Leavenworth Kansas!!! Even when I lived up north never knew there were towns with only 20 something people or less!!! That’s where I need to be. I bet it’s quite and peaceful!!!!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety

      Yeah it’s interesting how these towns have continued to stay actual “towns”. And these days I think you’re right, quiet and peaceful sounds pretty great!

  • @HenryCalderonJr
    @HenryCalderonJr Před rokem +2

    Pretty cool thanks for sharing!

  • @julieschossow9315
    @julieschossow9315 Před rokem +1

    Thank you! I just subscribed. Love your channel!

  • @tammyhollandsworth6783
    @tammyhollandsworth6783 Před rokem +5

    Been to Waldron and Freeport. Use to live in Anthony Kansas. I have driven all over on the back country roads. Thanks for sharing! Hopefully if your passing through New Mexico you can stop and see the small towns we have surrounding Raton.

  • @SusanHL
    @SusanHL Před rokem +4

    Re the location in Hollenberg - one of my mother's sorority sisters married a man who owned a home that was also an original Pony Express stop (the home was in/hear Hiawatha, KS)! LOVE this content!!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      Oh wow that’s awesome! I’m fascinated with Pony Express history. Someday I’d love to try and visit all of the stops from beginning to end! Thank you for watching!

  • @eileenjohns5860
    @eileenjohns5860 Před 2 měsíci +1

    What a great video, really enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing. I live in Lone Elm 😊

  • @bigred4335
    @bigred4335 Před 2 lety +1

    Great video...i really like seeing videos about these small towns and cities...I would like to visit these places myself

  • @lendlkaiser3622
    @lendlkaiser3622 Před rokem +3

    Thanks for sharing,I enjoyed this look at Kansas ,I used to live in Kansas, Goodland and Ruleton. I was told Ruleton had the oldest Post Office

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      Those are some great places too! I appreciate you watching and commenting! Thanks!

  • @tundrawomansays5067
    @tundrawomansays5067 Před 2 lety +3

    Thank you and everyone in this thread for a fascinating look at a state I know nothing about yet is so historic!

  • @jamespena4721
    @jamespena4721 Před rokem +1

    Nice work your videos seem to have a calming effect on me, maybe it's the background music and nostalgia keep on with the great videos, and God bless

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      Thank you very much! I try to make the videos have a decent pace and rhythm. Not always successful but I’m glad you’re enjoying them!

  • @johnjessey6955
    @johnjessey6955 Před rokem +1

    Great video. Thank you! The music sets the whole mood for a pleasant time viewing.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      Thank you very much! One of my favorite road trips!

    • @johnjessey6955
      @johnjessey6955 Před rokem +1

      @@TravelwithaWiseguy Nice. I lived in Lansing, KS. For a 6 months. On the weekends my wife and I would jump in my truck and take day trips driving all around. Still one of my favorite things to do. And I’ll drive 10 mile out of my way to stay off the freeways. I love the back roads. Keep them coming. Great job! Thanks.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      That’s awesome! Taking those backroads are some of the best decisions some one can make!

    • @johnjessey6955
      @johnjessey6955 Před rokem +1

      @@TravelwithaWiseguy I’ll take the dirt road every time. Sounds like a country song. Thank you for all your hard work and prep. God Bless and Merry Christmas my friend. jj

  • @juniorcecrle5072
    @juniorcecrle5072 Před 2 lety +8

    I’m actually from Hollenberg and still go back regularly as our farm is just east of there. I got a kick out of seeing the church in your video as we actually own that. I wish you had gotten to see the large well in the center of town by the post office. That was kind of our last claim to fame. When I was a kid during the winter we used to sled down that hill all the way to the train tracks. Good times. Probably not all that safe, but big fun. Thanks for the video!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +1

      Oh wow that’s awesome! That church was interesting for sure! That was the first town I visited so I didn’t do much research and didn’t know about the well haha. Definitely an interesting area to explore. Would go there again! Thanks for watching!

    • @RangerMelB
      @RangerMelB Před rokem

      One of my husbands great grands was born up in Hollenberg, otherwise I wouldn't have even HEARD of that town. 😀

  • @anthonybottini3938
    @anthonybottini3938 Před rokem +4

    I live close to Lone elm, Mildred, and Bassett. Not locations I’d ever see on CZcams. Awesome video!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      Thank you! I really enjoyed visiting the area! Met some really nice people!

  • @GrouchyOldBear7
    @GrouchyOldBear7 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.

  • @MatthewDolley
    @MatthewDolley Před rokem +8

    I'm a bit late to this video, but I worked at that grain elevator in Freeport many years ago. Horrifying experience. Had a little lift elevator that you had to pull a rope to carry you up - one day it broke sending a coworker falling (they caught themselves and were uninjured.) They eventually shut the place down, but reopened it back up years later (open today.) There was also an earthquake about 10-years ago, and if I remember the only damage in the whole area was that post office which had a wall crack.

  • @douglasdoty4891
    @douglasdoty4891 Před rokem +4

    I was raised in Garnett KS. I enjoyed your video. My daughter lives east of loan Elm. I did lot of bird hunting, and fishing in Anderson County and Allen county. I'm retired and live in Ottawa ks.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      Beautiful area! I really enjoyed visiting. Thank you for watching!

  • @alexiselliott2995
    @alexiselliott2995 Před rokem +3

    You might check out Dunlap.. it and the whole area has an interesting history... I grew up near there and went to school in Council Grove. Dunlap is basically a ghost town now.

  • @JimDeBroeck
    @JimDeBroeck Před rokem +2

    Nice video, thanks!

  • @DRay-or4tc
    @DRay-or4tc Před rokem +1

    Fun vid. Liked the “feel” of some of these little towns.

  • @longrider42
    @longrider42 Před rokem +3

    A lot of the Kansas town, specially in southern Kansas, just never really did recover after the Great Depression, and the Dust Bowl. People left and never came back.

  • @jarettgros5821
    @jarettgros5821 Před rokem +3

    I grew up really close to Hollenberg, cool that you came through my neck of the woods. Although my hometown would be a big city with 729 population, still a small town. Cool video my guy!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      I’ve been through there a couple times and have enjoyed it! Went through the area on my Oregon Trail video too! Thanks! I appreciate you watching!

  • @goodgrandma2758
    @goodgrandma2758 Před 2 lety +2

    Coolidge has a lot of cattle feedlots nearby. It’s got it’s grainery still. You gotta see the Churches in Victoria, Leibenthol, lynsborg too. Sandstone. Built late 1800’s. During homesteading.

  • @rhondaalbrecht9488
    @rhondaalbrecht9488 Před rokem +1

    My family was and is still from around Oak Hill and Longford area. During harvest back in the late 70's early 80's would deliver wheat to the Elevator, which was a very busy time for Oak Hill. I also rode in the parade for the Centennial celebration. Many happy memories!

  • @jameswiedmaier3930
    @jameswiedmaier3930 Před 2 lety +9

    I grew up in Doniphan, KS. Its population has from 60 to 75. I am just guessing the population. We have more dogs than people.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety

      That's funny you say that because I have a Kansas ghost town video coming up in a few weeks with Doniphan in it. There is that nice church up on the hill and, like you said, not many people! Beautiful area of Kansas!

  • @UpperlevelJeffstream
    @UpperlevelJeffstream Před rokem +3

    Grew up in the area Freeport, Waldron, and Penalosa are located in. It was cool seeing someone making a video about these towns. I’ve also been to a service at the church in Freeport and am family friends with all 4 citizens. I live in Pratt currently Wich is just a stones throw away from Penalosa. Thanks for this video!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      I really enjoyed videos all those towns! Thank you for watching!

    • @russellsmith3825
      @russellsmith3825 Před rokem

      Penalosa once had a population of 350, had 2 banks and a grocery store, died with the dust bowl

    • @cheesenuggets9339
      @cheesenuggets9339 Před rokem

      I also grew up near Freeport abut 5 miles away actually

  • @karenv5103
    @karenv5103 Před rokem +1

    I enjoyed this video. Cottonwood Falls has a nice old courthouse if you are ever sight seeing in that area

  • @CarsonG-hq3mq
    @CarsonG-hq3mq Před 2 měsíci +1

    Cool video small towns are awesome 👍

  • @terrynhemken5635
    @terrynhemken5635 Před rokem +5

    Rago, KS has around 4 people. It’s so small that they usually include Spivey and Rago together. Pretty common though. They do that with Suppesville and Milton. Even though though I live 3 miles the opposite direction of Milton, Suppesville is considered Milton because they have an old shack of a post office that is only used for P.O. Boxes.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +3

      I had Spivey on a water tower video last year - beautiful blue one! An angry guy came out and yelled at me because he thought I was spying on him with my drone. Oops! 😂😂

    • @bryanlacount7551
      @bryanlacount7551 Před rokem +2

      I know exactly where you're talking about. Lived in Harper from 1996 till 2001. Worked for a farmer out of Danville, Mark Fisher, who had some ground around Rago, small world.

  • @VABeachgirl-np8iw
    @VABeachgirl-np8iw Před 2 lety +4

    I grew up in Jefferson County, the area is unincorporated, it is called Mooney Creek. It is 30 minutes south of Atchison and 45 minutes away from Leavenworth, Topeka and Lawrence. It has farm family's, a church and my grandparents/uncle (who are deceased) gas station. Gas station is closed now. The sunsets are phenomenal. Closest town Winchester, population 500. A beautiful area to be raised.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety

      That’s a very beautiful part of Kansas indeed! I was just south of there a few weeks back. Fun place to explore!

  • @dierkrieger
    @dierkrieger Před rokem +3

    WOW, you were really close to the town I grew up in. Courtland and Scandia.

  • @Albertwildhorseshoer
    @Albertwildhorseshoer Před rokem +2

    I grew up in a town northeast of Latimer. As the crow flies it was 5- 6 miles of Railroad track. It was also a small community where people are the treasures. The longer someone stays, the more time familiarity reveals the depth of that treasure - few exceptions. The early 1960s brought state education change. The one room school house students within a 10 + mile radius came to the our town's grade 1-12 school. These one roomers enriched us as their one room school houses closed. At the same time The last of the generations of those students were interviewed for their memories of their own one room school house stories. They were compiled in a book, published and given to local Morris, Dickerson, Geary, Riley County libraries. The book was titled "Fond memories of One Room Schools in Northwest Morris County Kansas". It was a project by volunteers who did the interviews over a period of 12 years. Ages of the memory tellers were 50 - 90's range (in that bubble of time late 1990s memory the treasures in rural small towns. Each treaured represents aspects unique and common to mankind. Trust in God and good behavior, dedication, volunteerism for the good of others, respect for fair minded authority, safety for all- especially kids and the vulnerable, a good education, a good work ethic are the most common goals supported by one another. We learn a lot from new comers. Most is good and welcomed. And the quiet starry nights are cherished exception July 4th celebrations and home game nights at the summer baseball (where many mom's and dad's coach little league and school contest sports fields. Right now our town is seeing a baby boom, 17 babies born and more on the way. These last 12 months a few first babies, but majority are 2nd and/or 3rd children, an addition day care for preschool & primary was established by volunteers located officially on the school ground. Our kids go to state or Regionals in track, BB, fb, volleyball. The last time has went to state in BB the hotel manager told staff that Our WC boys were so respectful they were welcome any time. We get to have foreign students too asl people host exchange students regularly. Our town was incorporated in 1885, named White City after a Mr. White who offered his railroad allotted land to create a community. We have a local volunteer fire department. A fire station with 3-4 bays (constructed by experienced volunteers), 20 or more volunteer firemen/women, EMTs, vibrant library & bank, 2 museums, two parks with city care taker staff hired, pre school -12 school, City office with M-F hours, City Council mtg. 1 per month, 3 area churches, gas station with 24 hour pumps with a convenience store open daily, a grain elevator, family bar & grill, lumber/ hardware yard, an active American legion & SAL, & a Vet group center around a Train car that the country of France sent to the US by multiples as a "Thank you" to our country's vets. France donated these Railroad Cars as an official commemoration to the sacrifice our US soldiers made for France in Wars, WC has a Prairie Post News Paper office in WC- covering 3 towns, an independent auto parts store, a small laundry mat, several independent working mechanics, an active senior center, Post office, also a local farm family web site
    facebook.com/countylinecowpokes/. Several of our cattle or horse farmers/ranchers have farm building, fence, seed, or fertilizing businesses, combining business on top of management of their individual family farm. We have hundreds of visiting nieces, cousins, and grandchildren make childhood memories in this town that mean much to them. Recent generations are raising their kids here after establishing training for careers and marrying. I was a miracle that my twin & I were born her and our bio mom like what she knew of her two sisters and brother in laws choices. She our care to her older sisters for the first 3 month the two dear lady's took care of us- each with one for alternating stays. Mary's husband Homer came from parents who divorced and he thought we should be raised together. The other sister Martha had a first grader and a 3-4 year old. Homer and Mary two adult sons who were away in the Pacific Korean war with the Navy. WWII and the Korean war separated them all tice. The 2 little bothers were born in the first half of the 1930's. Dad Homer wanted his family in the town he was raised in. His elderly dad was the night watchman and first settled in White City was late 1890s. Homer had adventures with the new technology, automobiles. He and his friend left WC as freshman drop outs explore Detroit Michigan . They thought it was too dirty and polluted. They headed back to Kansas then before traveling to learn caterpillar earth moving along the Highway 3#1 along the California Coast.

  • @Anna_Stetik
    @Anna_Stetik Před rokem +7

    This was a pretty neat idea. I wish you would have included how many people used to live there, what happened - where did everyone go. It would also have been nice to know the demographics of the town - mainly age - and if they are retired, or if working, what do they do?

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +4

      This was the first video like this I did. In the Oklahoma and Missouri ones, I included some historical population figures for each town. I wanted to keep the video moving so I didn’t want to go too deep, just show what each town looks like and a little about the history. Thanks for the suggestion, and I appreciate you watching!

  • @deidarodriguez2863
    @deidarodriguez2863 Před 2 lety +5

    This makes me miss home, Garden City Ks. Beef Empire days. The days when the pool was free..

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +1

      😊 I don’t know about Beef Empire Days, but always enjoy my time out in western KS!

    • @fattonycapaldi8743
      @fattonycapaldi8743 Před rokem

      I used to live in garden too. Small world.

  • @MTknives
    @MTknives Před rokem +1

    I grew up in Kansas and actually lived in Oak Hill for a short time. The Garage there was was run by “Doc” I would stop in at Doc’s and get a pop and candy bar. It was the local hangout for the old men.
    Thanks for sharing 👏

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      Awesome! I think I met half the population in Oak Hill when I was there haha. Cool place!

  • @nimmnoss
    @nimmnoss Před 2 měsíci +2

    i live in herington kansas and there are a lot of small towns considered more on the line of townships around here you will be amazed at just how many small ghost towns there are here in kansas

  • @diannaa7462
    @diannaa7462 Před 2 lety +4

    It would be interesting to me, if when you talk with residents of these small towns, to ask where and how far they have to travel to get groceries or to a Doctor. I’m really enjoying your videos. Thank you!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +1

      That would be! I grew up in areas like this in Ohio and we had about 15 minutes to groceries and 40 minutes to see a movie haha. I’m sure in rural Kansas it’s longer! Thanks for watching!

  • @willhorting5317
    @willhorting5317 Před rokem +8

    It's sad to see what has become of Oak Hill.
    I used to have relatives that lived there.
    Back in the 1970s, the extended family on my paternal grandmother's side...a couple times a year... would have family reunions in Oak Hill, at the old school building.
    Unfortunately, as her and her siblings passed away, those reunions ended.
    The last one that I recall attending, was around 1977 or 1978, when I was a teen.
    Edited to add:
    My grandmother's family was originally from just south of the town of Ada, KS (current population around 140-150).
    Ada is about 40 miles, almost due west of Oak Hill.

    • @Birdfan465
      @Birdfan465 Před rokem +2

      Oak hill is one place iv been .

  • @1963FatJack
    @1963FatJack Před rokem +2

    I really enjoyed your video. Excluding my time in the military I have lived here in Kansas,born and raised.

  • @sheikhkhalid5969
    @sheikhkhalid5969 Před rokem +1

    Loved it❤

  • @kdawson020279
    @kdawson020279 Před 2 lety +8

    I have in-laws all over in tiny towns like Nashville and Cairo, and I live near Anson, Anness, Mayfield, and Millerton (which as far as I know lost its last resident.) If towns are defined by incorporation and zip codes, there's a lot of them that won't make the list. Spasticville has to be the coolest place name in Kansas.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +1

      That’s great! It varies by state, but in Kansas a town is defined if they are incorporated. That’s how I got this list. There are LOTS more towns that are smaller that aren’t incorporated anymore. Those are the kinds that make my ghost town videos. Thanks for the message!

    • @jimrenegar7910
      @jimrenegar7910 Před 2 lety +1

      Cairo is in Pratt county. Near it is the old fish hatchery that put many fish in the Pratt county lake. The lake is no more sadly. My mother use to take us kids there to fish, and she would clean and cook for us.

    • @russellsmith3825
      @russellsmith3825 Před rokem

      @@jimrenegar7910 word has it that back in the 20s&30s Cairo (pronounced like the syrup Kayro not the Capitol of Egypt) used to be a top destination for waterfowl hunting, people would take the train from KC and further to hunt there.

  • @MyHome7_Carla
    @MyHome7_Carla Před rokem +9

    I was born and raised in Kansas and I'm 56 years old. Sadly I've never heard of any of these towns. And I grew up in a tiny town as well called Chautauqua. Known for the Chautauqua Springs which my grandmother purchased in circa 1968 our house is still there and so are the natural springs! We used to get tourists from all over until my grandma passed away and then my uncle didn't have time to keep it up and then he passed away. But it is still beautiful 😍

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +2

      Sounds like a great little town! Thanks for sharing!

    • @SuperDave-pe1zw
      @SuperDave-pe1zw Před rokem +2

      Where are the springs 🤔 I have property in Elgin and drive thru Chautauqua all the time heading to Sedan. I saw another video that mentioned the springs. Those little towns are slowly dying 😢 I live by Tulsa but I'm in Elgin almost every weekend to mow during the summer and hunt in winter.

    • @alexiselliott2995
      @alexiselliott2995 Před rokem +2

      Ive heard of Chautauqua .. funny these a Chautauqua st in Council Grove... near where I Grew up

    • @coltharpc
      @coltharpc Před rokem +1

      @@SuperDave-pe1zw I used to live in Elgin as a child in the 1970s & 80s when we still had a post office in the Elgin State Bank and the red brick school building on the east side of town. Though no one asked permission they just torn down the school and took all of the bricks including the two big stone lions standing in front of the building.

    • @SuperDave-pe1zw
      @SuperDave-pe1zw Před rokem +1

      @@coltharpc the red bank is still standing but pretty much gutted. The few shops and the Dinner building are standing but punk kids have broken out the windows. But it pretty much probably looks like it did as you remember it. They built a Community center building in the park. A new water tower and tore down the old one but the water system isn't good from what I've been told. Elgin A town to tough to die.... lol

  • @denisesmith2745
    @denisesmith2745 Před rokem +2

    I am from Larned, Kansas. I have lived in Miami, Ft Lauderdale, San Juan PR, San Francisco and Ft Worth. I will take Kansas any day

  • @terriburns8174
    @terriburns8174 Před rokem +2

    Born and raised in Jetmore, 30 miles north of Dodge City. Pop around 800. I left for 20 years and came back. One doesn't truly appreciate Mayberry life until you leave, then come home.

  • @jder6071
    @jder6071 Před 2 lety +5

    You should go to Olpe, Ks. Home of the Ople chicken house. It’s not as small as the ones in your video but it’s a small town with some great people. I grew up in emporia and people will drive from other counties just for dinner there.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety

      I've actually been to Olpe before, but haven't stopped at the Chicken House. Definitely on my to do list!

  • @kandipiatkowski8589
    @kandipiatkowski8589 Před 2 lety +9

    These are really really small towns. My grandparents lived in Deerfield and I still have cousins that live in Lakin. When I was young, I thought those were small towns (less than 800 for Deerfield and less than 1800 for Lakin), but the towns on your list are even smaller.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety +1

      Yeah Deerfield and Lakin are definitely small towns to most everyone! It hard for some people to imagine living in a town this small, but for others it’s exactly what they want! Thanks for watching!

    • @jvon3885
      @jvon3885 Před rokem +2

      Most my family live in those areas. They own cattle ranches out there. I'm from Elkhart.

    • @Anita.2001
      @Anita.2001 Před rokem

      I currently live in Manter/Johnson (Stanton County) 😊

  • @michaelperry4477
    @michaelperry4477 Před rokem +2

    I live in the Ozarks
    But am originally from Wichita. I sometimes go back and run routes all over Kansas and I love it. The flatlands and rolling hills and small towns. So much better then the ozarks or any big city!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      I agree! Love taking those backroads and avoiding the city traffic!

  • @PrairieRoseCoyote
    @PrairieRoseCoyote Před měsícem +1

    Thanks for including Cedar, Ks. I lived in Cedar as a kid and the place is important in our family history.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před měsícem +1

      I really liked Cedar - I love how they laid out the town 😊

  • @JosephOccenoBFH
    @JosephOccenoBFH Před 2 lety +3

    All you need is a library, post office and a city hall for it to be a functioning town .. Spent eight years of my life in SE Kansas .. 😄

  • @susanwegele2882
    @susanwegele2882 Před 2 lety +3

    I grew up in a house just behind that church. It's changed a lot since then. I left there in 1981.

  • @orangecrush71
    @orangecrush71 Před rokem +1

    Latimer still had an old General Store turned tavern in the early to mid 70s called Bobby's Playhouse, where I first heard the band Kansas.

  • @abbynormal4740
    @abbynormal4740 Před rokem +2

    This brings back lots of memories from growing up in SE Kansas small towns. 👍

  • @beckyj8099
    @beckyj8099 Před 2 lety +3

    One more tiny town is Zimmerdale.KS! 3 houses & an old mill turned into a house... There used to be wooden signs nailed to 3 trees as you drove into it along Old 81 highway, that said- Don't Blink..Or You'll Miss..Zimmerdale! It's between Hesston & Newton basically an intersection, 81 & West Rd. Not sure if it was ever incorporated tho..Very interesting video!! Enjoyed seeing these old towns I love the old elevators against the sunset..saw a postcard that called them Kansas Skyscrapers 😃

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety

      I looked but couldn’t find too much info on Zimmerdale except that it was unincorporated and used to be called Trousdale, which was a different town I visited in an earlier video. Not too far from where I live so I’ll have to check it out sometime! Thanks for watching - it was fun to do!

  • @darrell1955
    @darrell1955 Před 2 lety +3

    Me and mom raised in topeka.
    Was 12 in topeka tornado

  • @Pdub_Productions
    @Pdub_Productions Před rokem +2

    I really like that you did this video as a road trip, rather than just another list. Do you also highlighted some of the character sounds, which I very much appreciated. subscribrd

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem

      Thanks! Yeah I’m not a fan of videos that are just lists and they’ve not actually gone there. I know people might think the same before they watch these videos, but hopefully they watch it and appreciate it like you! Thanks a lot!

  • @dblair1258
    @dblair1258 Před rokem +2

    Penny... Penalosa is a place near and dear to my heart. My mom lived on a farmstead when she was kid about a mile from town eastward as the crow flies. I visited it many times as a kid growing up in Hutchinson in the 60s and 70s. The Methodist Church there is still very alive and functioning to this day. Got lots of kinfolk who still live within 5 miles of it. I live in Winston-Salem, NC now. Thanks for the video!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      Awesome! I really enjoyed visiting even though it’s past it’s prime. Beautiful part of Kansas!

    • @michaelcooper1079
      @michaelcooper1079 Před rokem +1

      Cool. I spent the first 8 years of my life in Hutchinson back in 60’s & 70’s.

  • @Surfguitarist59
    @Surfguitarist59 Před rokem +3

    I just love these videos you do on small towns here in America. While in the military in Texas, I'd go thru small towns like these. Often times I'd actually see more people working than the listed population. One guy told me that people only work in these small towns but live in other towns. Just wondering how far the kids travel to get to schools etc...?

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +2

      That is very true about working there vs living there! There are definitely kids that have to travel many miles to get to a school. I think that is another reason people leave the towns and move to where a school is closer. I really appreciate your kind comment!

  • @ksmom33
    @ksmom33 Před 3 lety +9

    I lived in Lone Elm and the red building is an old school building. There is a newer community building close by w/ a playground. I visited Mildred a a lot and Charlie Brown's was the place you went for cheap old school candy. I'm surprised Neosho Falls didn't make it on the list. I lived in the Falls for awhile and it's another very small town w/ lots of abandoned buildings.

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 3 lety +2

      That’s awesome! I figured that was an old school house as well. Neosho Falls has a population of 141 so too big for this list haha.

    • @laceybanter5937
      @laceybanter5937 Před 2 lety

      We live near by

    • @robertfolkner9253
      @robertfolkner9253 Před 2 lety +2

      My mother and her parents and my grandmother’s sister are all buried in Fairview Cemetery in Mildred. We lived in LaHarpe and my dad and I used to buy sandwiches at Charlie Brown’s Store.

  • @CheeseStew101
    @CheeseStew101 Před rokem +1

    I have fond but faded memories of Kincaid KS where we went to visit my favorite Uncle Mont who had a unique store there on the main street.

  • @billybrown1979
    @billybrown1979 Před rokem +1

    like the video young man.be bless and safe.

  • @wendybrown3502
    @wendybrown3502 Před rokem +3

    Great video! I live in a very small town in NE Kansas. Lecompton. We have just a few businesses on one block. One of the best cafés ever. Aunt Netters. Come visit us sometime!😊❤

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      Thanks! I’ve been to Aunt Netters before 😊 Delicious! Lecompton is on my list for a video someday - fascinating history!

  • @goodgrandma2758
    @goodgrandma2758 Před 2 lety +4

    Our town is growing it’s on the inter section of highway 50 and highway 83. We are also connected to 156 east, and 54/400 towards Wichita.

  • @kimbucha2949
    @kimbucha2949 Před rokem +1

    I grew up in Iola, and never knew that Bassett was a town. Spent many a day playing and riding bikes out to Bassola "lake". Used to like playing on Little Bassola when it froze over. Good times.

  • @torismith3468
    @torismith3468 Před rokem +1

    This is a great video

  • @cynthialinaweaver77
    @cynthialinaweaver77 Před rokem +3

    I am so glad I came across your channel I found it so very interesting especially when most my family members live in and around Leavenworth not the prison lol I live in California so this caught my interest

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před rokem +1

      Thank you very much! I have a lot of Kansas videos on the channel to check out if you’re interested! Appreciate the support!

    • @lovetofly32
      @lovetofly32 Před rokem +1

      Please.. If you aren't conservative then stay in California. Californians are ruining my second favorite state of Colorado. Absolutely ruining the front range view with their liberal views..

    • @michaelhorath6851
      @michaelhorath6851 Před rokem +1

      @@lovetofly32 YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SAY !!!

  • @lilithbrantley4930
    @lilithbrantley4930 Před 2 lety +4

    Wakefield, Kansas is the BEST small city 💗. We may have 900 or so residents. I'd say maybe half are military or retired military. No stop light just a small town by Milford Lake. We have a couple of churches, a K-12 school, a couple of mom and pop restaurants, lots of hiking, hunting, fishing and boating. We got a Dollar General about 8 years ago ☺️ I'm from Georgia originally. The military brought us and we stayed!

  • @shandiemccloskey7352
    @shandiemccloskey7352 Před 2 lety +1

    I was really hoping you would end up in mildred I lived a couple miles from there but we would go to the store there! I am from moran sort of iola so its cool knowing that those small towns are being visited!

    • @TravelwithaWiseguy
      @TravelwithaWiseguy  Před 2 lety

      I really enjoyed Mildred! I’ve read since I did the video that they unincorporated the town, so now it wouldn’t be on the list. I need to go back for one of the Saturday night dances!

  • @goodgrandma2758
    @goodgrandma2758 Před 2 lety +2

    Hello many Volga Germans settled near I 70 all through KAnsas they built the stone churches. The check capitolof America is Wilson Ks. Leibenthol has one of those churches and Victoria, and Ellsworth is where my family stayed. Big big farming.