10 SMALLEST Towns in KANSAS

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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

[@anj3595]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I agree! Kansas has some uniquely beautiful places!

[@Fat_Thor_Ate_Loki]

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

[@karoonboomie2813]

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

[@lovetofly32]

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]

Amen brother

[@sundevil0271]

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]

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

[@blackrose3753]

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]

@@blackrose3753 the storms are beautiful in Kansas!

[@sandralynn6817]

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]

Same bro

[@katblack5109]

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.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😂😂😂

[@charitygoza5774]

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]

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]

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

[@WisdomStepsTV]

I grew up in LaCygne.

[@Gearsturfs]

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

[@Fat_Thor_Ate_Loki]

Is it anywhere near Moundville Missouri?

[@minkorrh]

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.

[@benklassen8559]

Born n raised in kansas I love this place.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😊

[@StacyL.]

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]

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]

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

[@tammybarker2110]

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

[@cornfedlife]

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]

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]

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

[@himals92]

Smith County born and bred

[@clon662b3]

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

[@mikez6683]

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]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

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

[@ryanweber7826]

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]

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]

Love this video. Love Kansas.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much! I and agree ❤️ 😊

[@ZeRowe]

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..

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Would’ve been awesome to see Kansas there!

[@cuddlegrammie8041]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Awesome - glad you liked it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@6creed933]

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

[@bestoddisee]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@Mr._D513]

hmmm...any ghost towns in Chase County?

[@kathybauer9715]

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]

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

[@sandralynn6817]

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

[@RangerMelB]

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]

My wife is from Mulvane. :-)

[@pattisweeden3049]

I went to jr high and high school in liberal

[@lauradeltoro6534]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much! Appreciate the kind comments!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

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! kzbin.info/aero/PL4jqwLUrhjNQaqtIC6QKWGbe0hF8IiHTL

[@RangerMelB]

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]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

@@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]

@@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]

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

[@jackgarlach3362]

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]

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!

[@amorylovin2137]

Those were beautiful sunsets! Thanks for the tour!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Kansas has some great sunsets! Thank you for watching!

[@davidyager8817]

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]

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

[@davidyager8817]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

@@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!

[@carolhansing2031]

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]

Thank you! And KZbin 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]

I heard alma was beautiful foot hills....

[@andrewmartin6217]

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

[@michaelvrooman5681]

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]

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.

[@tundrawomansays5067]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😊

[@edinop4205]

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]

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!

[@goodfriend6428]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much - it was a lot of fun!

[@thomaspolley4977]

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.

[@davidlabrada6862]

I miss Kansas 😢

[@SusanHL]

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]

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!

[@pianorama]

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]

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

[@pianorama]

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

[@bobpatterson3253]

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]

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

[@davidpattersonjr5333]

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]

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!

[@otterway]

Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed the trip!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks! It was a lot of fun!

[@tammyhollandsworth6783]

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.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks for watching! I’d love to visit those small towns in NM!

[@chiefamylee]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! It’s been a fun hobby to do these videos!

[@MatthewDolley]

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.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Oh wow that must’ve been terrifying! Glad everyone was ok!

[@juniorcecrle5072]

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]

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]

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

[@terrynhemken5635]

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]

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]

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.

[@jmurry6695]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks! It was definitely a fun little road trip!

[@jameswiedmaier3930]

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]

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!

[@lendlkaiser3622]

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]

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

[@douglasdoty4891]

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]

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

[@HenryCalderonJr]

Pretty cool thanks for sharing!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

You bet!

[@billbrown6889]

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

[@deidarodriguez2863]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

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

[@fattonycapaldi8743]

I used to live in garden too. Small world.

[@dierkrieger]

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

[@bigred4335]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! It’s definitely one of my passions as well!

[@UpperlevelJeffstream]

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]

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

[@russellsmith3825]

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

[@cheesenuggets9339]

I also grew up near Freeport abut 5 miles away actually

[@longrider42]

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.

[@anthonybottini3938]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

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

[@goodgrandma2758]

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.

[@eileenjohns5860]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Anna_Stetik]

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]

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!

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

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]

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]

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

[@Anita.2001]

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

[@jamespena4721]

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]

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!

[@alexiselliott2995]

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.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Looks interesting! Thanks for the heads up!

[@VABeachgirl-np8iw]

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]

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

[@jarettgros5821]

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]

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!

[@julieschossow9315]

Thank you! I just subscribed. Love your channel!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks for subscribing! It’s much appreciated!

[@GrouchyOldBear7]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@jder6071]

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]

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

[@willhorting5317]

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]

Oak hill is one place iv been .

[@DRay-or4tc]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much!

[@JimDeBroeck]

Nice video, thanks!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you!

[@kdawson020279]

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]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

Sounds like a great little town! Thanks for sharing!

[@SuperDave-pe1zw]

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]

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

[@coltharpc]

@@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]

@@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

[@billybrown1979]

like the video young man.be bless and safe.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I appreciate that! Thanks!

[@shandiemccloskey7352]

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]

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!

[@JosephOccenoBFH]

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 .. 😄

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Pretty much haha! And Kansas has a lot of those type places!

[@darrell1955]

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

[@rhondaalbrecht9488]

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!

[@diannaa7462]

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]

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!

[@ksmom33]

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]

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]

We live near by

[@robertfolkner9253]

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.

[@susanwegele2882]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Which town?

[@johnjessey6955]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

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

[@johnjessey6955]

@@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]

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

[@johnjessey6955]

@@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

[@Albertwildhorseshoer]

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.

[@goodgrandma2758]

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.

[@lynnnewby4530]

Garden City

[@fattonycapaldi8743]

Sounds like GC. I lived there my whole life until about 4 months ago when I finally moved.

[@wendybrown3502]

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]

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

[@PrairieRoseCoyote]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

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

[@karenv5103]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

For sure! I’m hoping to do a video on that town sometime!

[@Surfguitarist59]

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]

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!

[@Petrolhead99999]

Lone elm is about 20 minutes from my hometown of Iola, and it's situated between Colony and Garnett which makes it a bit of an anomaly... You are able to make a short drive into the 'city' for groceries. I go through Lone Elm all the time on the way to my mom's. Mildred is also a nice little town with a nice fishing lake. I head through on the way to Moran or Elsmore. Bassett is also very cool. I used to run with the cross country team around Bassola lake, and right near by is an abandoned quarry made into an Elks club lake... They pay $1 of property tax a year. Great fishing at these lakes. There are now nice mountain bike trails and the frolf course. The abandoned concrete plant was a hot spot for daring high schoolers, and there was an electric theme park in the early 1900s. Iola was at one time near 30k people, now it is down to 4500 or so. I loved growing up there. Thank you for doing service to the little towns I grew up around.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Awesome! Thank you for all the inside info on these towns! Some very interesting places to visit and I’m glad these towns are still appreciated!

[@brendapiper3126]

You may know some of my Sprague relatives. Blanche (my mother) is 99 years old now.

[@1963FatJack]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@jkingsley9385]

I am partial to Penalosa. Grew up 4 miles from there and went to grade school there. My dad worked at the Penalosa Co-op. Been back to visit several times over the years.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I enjoyed visiting, even though Penalosa is past its prime. Some cool old buildings left!

[@jkingsley9385]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy Penalosa was probably past it's prime in the 70's. By then, the school was closed as well as the post office. I'm not sure when the old Tarrant Grocery closed. That building is no longer there.

[@beckyj8099]

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]

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!

[@loismix9220]

I grew up in a town east of Iola and south west of Mildred and Lone Elm. Graduated from Iola High and now live in Ohio. I'm surprised there wasn't more wind noise. Miss it. Try to go back.every summer to visit family. Thanks for the video

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

There was definitely a lot of wind but I was trying to find places behind buildings where it wasn’t as noticeable haha. Thanks for watching! I really enjoyed the area near where you grew up!

[@BoyScout1960]

Iola was my grandmother’s home town; my parents’ farm was in LaHarpe.

[@BoyScout1960]

Are you related to Carol Mix?

[@rebeccaromig2561]

Kincaid, much??

[@loismix9220]

@@BoyScout1960 grew up in LaHarpe

[@orangecrush71]

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.

[@terriburns8174]

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.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I agree!

[@cynthialinaweaver77]

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]

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]

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]

@@lovetofly32 YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SAY !!!

[@edbennett6922]

I spent my grade and elementary school years in the small town of Jennings Kansas. Population 250 in the 1960s. Lots of fond memories.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I just looked up Jennings and now it has a population under 100. I had a similar childhood growing up in Ohio. Great memories! Thanks for watching!

[@justindavis3131]

Hi Ed Its Justin Davis Iam from Jennings u know My GRANDPARENTS jessie Davis and Norman and Darrell dee Davis and my Mom.Marinna

[@toddcunningham3213]

My Mom's first teaching job was in Jennings in 1959. She was the music teacher.

[@curetiamhices289]

When you were in Bassett, you were close to LeRoy, KS, the home of Luther’s Smokehouse. Great place for jerky and meat sticks. A nice variety that has included beef, pork, turkey, goose, ostrich. I would always stop in when I was in the area.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Would love to check it out next time I’m in the area!

[@MrReymoclif714]

@@TravelwithaWiseguyover by Hayes Kansas had the best beef jerky ever!

[@MTknives]

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]

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

[@janmead5896]

So sad to see all the towns that at one time were someone's dream. 1) Have you ever been to Dover, KS? Not far from Topeka. I used to ride my bicycle all over the Dover Auburn Eskridge, Lake Wabaunsee area. The 1878 Sage Inn & Stage Coach Station, and the General Store built in 1900 are still in Dover. The Sage Coach Station is a gorgeous structure that according to what I have read was crafted by the same stone mason that build Topeka's Capital out of limestone. Across the street Somerset Hall which is a working 1800's mercantile that at one time was featured as the best pie in America. The bikers used to stop in Dover for pie or snacks of some sort. The farmers would come in for a break and we all got to know them. There's a school, graveyard and Dover Federated Church in town. I think a gas station too. The population is around 6,000 but I think a lot of it is in the surrounding countryside. I personally know the pastor and his wife of the church. Lake Wabaunsee is a ways from Dover, but it made a nice ride on from Dover. It used to be a POW camp in WW2 I believe for German prisoners. It's in the Flint Hills area. Wikipedia has a lot of history on Dover and what it was back in the day. 2) Uniontown, Kansas: If you ever get in this Dover and surrounding area, there is also an interesting little town historically that is now basically non existent called Uniontown. There are a couple of towns by the name, but the one I am referring to is very near Willard, Kansas close to I-70. Potawatomi Indian trading post. It was located where the Oregon Trail crossed the Kansas River near the present town of Willard. It could have been what Topeka became except Uniontown came to a sad ending because it had to be burned due to a cholera epidemic that killed settlers and Indians. It had been a trade route. Now I believe all that is left is a graveyard, a house and a nature trail. I believe the trail is in current operation but not sure. www.kshs.org/kansapedia/uniontown/12228 3) Volland, Kansas. When bike riding with a group, we found this old 1800's store. It was abandoned, but we could see through the window pane that it was a fully stocked store that looked like the owners had just left and vanished. It looked just like what a store would look like in The Little House series. Old lace up shoes, old stove, barrels full of goods, fully stocked store. That was in the early 90's that I was there. I have clue if any of the abandoned store items are still there in Volland, but the town is still active. In this general area is the Alma Cheese Factory. They make the best cheese curds to snack on! People think KS is a flyover state, but there are many parts that are beautiful. 4) If you are interested in pioneer stuff, there is a great little book that is still in print called, "My Folks Came in a Covered Wagon" 1958 by Capper Weekly. It has short stories turned into Capper's by grandchildren, children or actually people that crossed the plains and settled in the Kansas area. Often the authors of each article told where they lived and many of them in Topeka, KS that was my hometown.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I haven't been to any of those but I've definitely read about them and have them on my list of places to visit. They all have such interesting histories and I hope to be able to see them in person soon! Thank you for all the detailed information about them - only makes me want to see them more! The pioneer stuff is very fascinating to me, yes. Originally being from Ohio, I have always been amazed to think of the pioneers that traveled across this land in search of something more. Thanks for the book recommendation as well!

[@janmead5896]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy You are most welcome. When you get in these old towns, have you ever considered taking a metal detector? Use to find cool old coins in Wamego and other small KS towns. God bless you and yours.

[@janmead5896]

One last thing. I thought an amazing way to get kids interested in history is to bring up the idea of "what would life have been like if I'd have been born 100 years before.?" What great changes in life. For me it would have been trying to live in 1849. Blows my mind at how different society was then.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

@@janmead5896 I would really enjoy exploring for things like that, but I try to be very respectful and keep my adventures to picture taking and drone flying. There have been a few people approach me and are usually skeptical of what I'm doing because they don't get very many tourists.

[@janmead5896]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy I bet that would happen in some of those towns like in the video of smallest towns in KS. People are getting that way because of all the dishonest scams and also home break ins. Keep up the great videos. God bless and keep you safe.

[@lilithbrantley4930]

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!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Love small towns like that! Would love to visit sometime!

[@dblair1258]

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]

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

[@michaelcooper1079]

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

[@CheeseStew101]

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.

[@tomcahill6981]

When I watch videos like this about how our country has changed over time, I always think of the hundreds of people that once lived there. I now live in PA. We also have tons of small towns that have basicallly been abandoned by businesses, thus sending its residents moving about over time.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Very true. Same for me when I’m exploring these places. Always sends me back in time!

[@tomcahill6981]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy The thing that drives me crazy is the number of abandoned vehicles near houses getting ready to collapse all over the country. Cars, trucks, RVs. lawnmowers!!. They are allow to just leave junk all around their property. I think of the property owners nearby loosing value on what they own. The law makers really don't have any power to make laws outlawing such practices. We just got back from a trip from PA to NW AR. It was the same everywhere. People used to value the land they lived on. Not su much anymore.

[@donotneed2250]

I've found people from small towns to be a lot nicer than big city folks.

[@kansasghosttownhunter9362]

Freeport is no longer incorporated so Waldron is now the smallest incorporated city. I’m interested to see the 2020 census results to see how much more these places have shrunk.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

That is correct. In the video I spoke about this and how Waldron is now the smallest. Very interesting “battle” for the title of smallest town haha. I am too very curious about what the new census brings.

[@jodalenelogan2952]

My family is from Freeport. I remember banking at the bank and lived right up the road. Most of my family are now at the cemetery down the highway. I was born in that area and it always feels like home going through there even if there is nothing left.

[@Mr._D513]

been to Waldron... famous person buried in the Cemetery... clue: Geocaching

[@Mr.Peanut1986]

I grew up in Milan, and Argonia. Both of which are dying. It makes me very sad.

[@denisesmith2745]

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

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Me too!

[@CarsonG-hq3mq]

Cool video small towns are awesome 👍

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

We agree! 😊