Faded Rural ARKANSAS: Where People Live A Simple Life

I visited these rural Arkansas towns: Hartford, Huntington & Mansfield.
Joe's Instagram: / joeysroadtrip
Travel video 330

[@keeto123456]

I appreciate how you can comment on everywhere but somehow not insult the people or make poor taste jokes. I love your work. Don’t change. You make me feel like I’m riding in the car with you just talking.

[@jennywilson9731]

Yes,..well put, it is like your there, .

[@J.Wesley007]

Yes, like using the term a lot of stuff instead of a lot of junk.

[@Robert-x2w3g]

Amen to that.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you! 👍

[@dorothyboys2871]

Love watching your work. It makes you feel like you're there.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Arkansas is a beautiful state and the people are friendly and down to earth. I would take that any day over what I see here in Cali

[@davidsmock8235]

You say they are nice and friendly. Tell that to the Non-Christians, gays and other minorities...

[@timtaylor-lo9hs]

Kansas City, KS native for 49 years. Work in KC, MO. I retire in 11 years and I’m shopping for a nice, quiet, beautiful, peaceful, country place in Arkansas with outdoor activities and scenic nature nearby to retire to. Just seeing those country roads and small towns with quaint homes and big established shade trees got my attention. I really love rural Arkansas and Missouri. Especially near the Lakes like Bull Shoals, Beaver and Table Rock.

[@rangers7259]

Being a Brit, I absolutely love these videos of rural, small town USA…🇺🇸🇬🇧👍

[@MadelineRose-ep7fj]

I enjoy watching videos about UK as well 😊

[@SJ077-c7w]

​@@MadelineRose-ep7fj take care madeline i just wanted to say be aware of the scam calls , if you hear a indian or nigerian accent on a call its a scam hang up that phone call They target older people Take care ❤

[@MartiGentry-z5l]

Hartford is a very historical town and behind the dollar general in the early 1900's was a three story hotel and and the school was the first football field in the state of arkansas to get stadium lights. I love my hometown

[@kandyharlow1229]

I didn't know that Marti

[@jimthornton-fc8kq]

Thank you for visiting our state again and talking about the core values we hold. We are not rock stars but we are rock solid. Thanks again, sincerely, Jim Thornton

[@jiggymamason4920]

I love that! ❤

[@janlarson2584]

Love rural America. Arkansas looks beautiful.

[@TheDaveyLately]

Here here

[@Bizarreparade]

There are some Little Rockstars. I've seen them.

[@bertvosburg558]

I'll take Rock Solid over rock star any day, that's real. Farmer here.

[@Telephony954]

In my travels through Arkansas, I learned three things. 1. They tend to live a "Live and let live life. 2. If you want that done in a hurry, get in line. and 3. If your afraid of hard work, you are in the wrong state.

[@Andrelour]

People choose to believe on what they find more effective to keep them from facing their fears, and from accepting a lot of questions about their lives will never get answers

[@gogomountain]

My experience with Howell County, Missouri (bordering Arkansas) is this. People will look for small excuses to call the cops on their neighbors if the neighbors have out of state plates on their car when they move in. The cops will pull a person over for no reason except for the fact that they have out of state plates. In other words, they weren't friendly to people moving there from out of state. You could live there for 20 - 30 years, and the locals would still refer to you as 'the guy from [X state].'

[@Eggmanontheair]

Spent a number of years in my youth in the town of Knoxville, Arkansas, population around 200 or so at the time. My elementary school had 2 grades in 1 room. Great video, so much about the state just. never. changes. Ever.

[@barbaralinson2697]

This is food drop day. I'm from here and free food is distributed by volunteers two or three times per day.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I like that.

[@jaylaannrose2303]

Arkansan here❣️ Thanks for visiting again. Yes, the people are very friendly, the further south you go the friendlier they get..just some down home country folk and I love going to my hometown down south. I am about 115 miles from the towns you visited, now I want to go visit them.🙂

[@dianamarie5663]

I appreciate your knowledge of architectural styles.

[@cea5er]

6:20 man i so want to live in a place like this. Quiet, calm, serene away from all hustle bustle with them birds chirping, low crime omg its perfect 😊

[@TinkerTailor4303]

I noticed those birds, too, and thought, even though they're in the midst of poverty at least you can hear happy little birds singing.😊🐦

[@juliedepaolo9971]

We just bought property there this past week. We are leaving Texas and retiring there. It's a beautiful state.

[@deborahmusgrove90]

😊Mansfield is in Guinness Book of Records. Only city with a U.S. Highway running down the middle of the cemetery. Did you know that?

[@jennywilson9731]

Love the American "blue skies" and wide open back country where it " real and calming to the soul..Thanks for your great filming, always nice...safe travels to you an Nicole..God Bless! 🌼

[@dalepxp8963]

Nothing to do there however. That’s the problem. You need to know someone there before you move. Or, take friends and family with you.

[@catlover614]

I love rural towns, so interesting and relaxing to explore ! Gorgeous old theatre ! Always awesome to have a cat sighting, too ! Thanks so much, Joe and Nic.🥰

[@TOCC50]

Fleabitten Adventures

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Yeah, finally found a cat! It had ben awhile. :)

[@stewartcarroll304]

Curious how the Dixie Theatre was spelt the Britsh way, "tre" not "ter"

[@boomboombaby9140]

So boring to grow up in but now I think back it was fun . As a kid trying to catch wild horses, fishing, picking wild corn , making weapons to kill random animals 😊

[@abhishekshekhawat9612]

Which state?​@@boomboombaby9140

[@patriciawilhite7038]

Thank you for your kind words of appreciation to the Arkansas locals friendliness. I moved here in 1974 from Illinois and it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Wave as you pass by my house Joe! 😂 You and Nic are welcome back anytime! 👋

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@kevinhoock9742]

Feels great to visit towns you never knew about or will never see first hand ..

[@Victory1981]

I drive through Arkansas, but I never did a hike or anything like that. It’s a nice state. I liked the mountain backdrops in the video.

[@barbaralinson2697]

Food drop day. That's why so many cars. The mountains in the background make for pretty scenery.

[@jburnett8152]

So very green there. Nothing stays the same, but still Godly people. God bless America 🇺🇸 😸

[@OGTallis]

I love your channel! Nothing like traveling the country - for free - from my armchair. ❤ Your content is real, unlike documentaries on different places, that just show you what they want you to see. I can watch you and feel like I’m actually there, listening to a real person take me on a tour and tell me all about a place. Nothing else like it out there. Keep up the wonderful, and much needed content!!

[@WhittyPics]

I wouldn't get to see these places if it weren't for Joey and Nic

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@jimfeatherston2342]

You are still my favorite of what you do. No music in the background and your comments are respectful and interesting. Love the stats you share about each location. A work of art. Thank you so much!!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Jim!

[@SovietScotty]

Hartford used to be a coal mining town back in the early 1900s. My great grandpa worked in the mines there. After the mines dried up and the railroad stopped being used, the town dried up as well.

[@poowg2657]

Hartford is an old Rock Island railroad town whose history pretty much followed that of the railroad. The railroad was done by the 70s and from what I could tell the town started declining before that. Looks about the same with Huntington. Anoter great tour, thanks much!

[@angelaowens757]

The railroad ran through Mansfield and Huntington as well due to the coal mines!

[@joeharwell54]

I was in a 3 towns last week. My father was from Huntington and mom was from Mansfield. Tge sawmill was owned by mom's family decades ago.

[@sandroteixeira55]

I have been learning a lot on your channel about this incredible country and its differences, congratulations,from Brazil

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@Theywaswrong]

From Arkansas history site..." The city is estimated to have had roughly 4,000 residents in its peak years between 1910 and 1920. Hartford had eight doctors, a hospital, two dentists, several lawyers, three livery stables, three drugstores, several restaurants and saloons, two hotels, two movie theaters".

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting.

[@Qz3sv7rgb]

How about school, university?

[@Paysoncougarfan.7885]

Thank you for the journey, hard to get out at 71, love to see everything on your videos.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Absolutely. I'm happy to do it. :)

[@terrijones7524]

Arkansas consolidated many of their school districts. I wish I’d known you were in town. We would have loved to have meet you for lunch.

[@mariuszl2085]

I'm going to escape from Canada so this channel is very helpful to make a decision about what direction we should go to ... Best regards from Canadian Socialist Republic

[@tootsieshmutsie6428]

@mariuszl2085 Hahahaha, Mtl, Qc, tc, enjoy!

[@wrabetpoo]

From my corner of the San Francisco/Bay Area I love that you give a snippet of how much we need to get out of our regional setting and see the vast US out there. Definitely home ownership in CA gives us a lot of leverage in plunking down elsewhere but exactly where is the question. Thanks for the insights.

[@TheDaveyLately]

The answer to that question is either the Ozarks or the Smoky Mountains ❤

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

Love the rural towns. I do like St. Leo’s Catholic Church. Love the cows! Nice cat sighting!! Crime rate of 1!? Wow!! I like the tractor museum too! I’d love to drive down those roads!!! It’s interesting to see what people collect. It’s nice to hear the people in Arkansas are friendly. Mansfield looks nice. Huge high school. Thank you for an enjoyable video!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Alexandra!!

[@grape196]

From Russia with love! 🙃❤️

[@mkr4922]

Sometimes your faith in God keeps you going. Bless this town and thank you for videoing this place. Always a pleasure to see where the road leads you.

[@vwm8534]

Went to schoolin Hartford and Mansfield back on the 70's....early 70's. Things have definitely changed.

[@proteus8535]

That was a pretty part of Arkansas with the mountain in the background, thanks Joe and Nic.

[@jodataylor]

Western Arkansas was once a center for coal mining. That's been gone for several decades. Hartford was once known for Southern Gospel Music publishing. The last of that fell to a fire a few years ago. An important economic element for all of these small towns was commuting to Fort Smith to work in a light industry...furniture manufacturing, food processing, etc. The outsourcing to China took care of most of that.

[@lunchdewitt8599]

Thanks for the info

[@cunit80]

U can thank your democrats for that!

[@evanwilliams4532]

Let's not pretend big business/chamber of commerce Republicans don't love cheap outsorced labor​@@cunit80

[@frankgrabasse4642]

Ummm, aren't this deep southern states republican run? Also, Reagan (you know the republican president) took the laws off companies allowing them to consolidate, monopolize, and grow ever larger. These companies then faced zero effective competition. So they could move overseas as they did t worry about a competitor offering higher quality. Or are you cruel enough that you think we should all work as slaves and be thankful for the scraps from the rich man's table?

[@mlwtennessee322]

@@cunit80 In 2017 Trump and the GOP enacted tax laws which created clear incentives for companies to move jobs abroad or overseas. These tax policies started in the 80's under Ronald Reagan, who was also a Republican. These policies encouraged companies to relocate overseas with the promise of 0 taxes. Outsourcing began in the 60's but these tax incentives signaled the end of American manufacturing. The United States began it's decline then. Now how were the Democrats to blame?

[@Nicksonian]

Interesting how it seems the Great Depression really walloped these rural towns…and few have ever recovered. You can imagine how vibrant these towns could have been 100 years ago. Look at these decaying “downtowns” and imagine them once being hubs of activity.

[@davechrist71]

The late 70's marked the beginning of the end for many rural towns. By the start of the 90's an irreversible trend had taken it's toll. Gone, not forgotten.

[@delstanley1349]

Mississippi is still recovering from the Civil War.

[@angelaowens757]

These two dried up after the coal mines left!

[@vwm8534]

Coal mines are what built these towns. Since that dropped off they have started to go down.

[@nancyrauch9492]

Joe...I really enjoyed your video in Arkansas today !! The scenery was amazing ! You seemed so happy to be back in the old U.S.A. Comparing Hawaii to Arkansas, I'd rather live in Arkansas esp. when you said how nicely you were treated. That means a great deal to me. And, seeing the CAT made my day ! Thanks so much for sharing. I look forward to many more adventures with you & Nic....😊😊

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Nancy!!

[@todddunn945]

It is surprising the median age is so low in those towns because it doesn't look like there is much opportunity for young people. I live in a small Maine town with just under 500 people with very little opportunity for young people. As a result our median age is 50. Yes that is impacted by high home prices. At present the median home for sale is asking $887K. We do have a 50% vacancy rate for homes here, but those homes are either summer homes that were vacant at the time of the census or summer weekly rentals. So although no one was living in them at the last census they are not abandoned. Rental costs here are artificially low because the only long term rentals in town are in a low income apartment complex. I find the comparison with similar sized towns in Arkansas interesting. Thanks for posting these small towns.

[@rtre870]

Drugs

[@timothybird4264]

Sitting here in London, enjoying your videos But often wonder where these people get basic food and essentials Everywhere seems so quiet

[@karenmcguire4210]

I'm a life long Arkansan. It's the best place in the world to live. Beautiful with great people. You should go to eastern Arkansas farm country. That's where I'm from...

[@edreuben4318]

It's the real America... These rural, hard-working citizens keep America great!

[@TheVimeo]

sadly they are disappearing :(

[@kerrynight3271]

I was happy to see several real American flags flying. None of that political nonsense with faces on the flags.

[@JJ-iq5cv]

All of America is real America.

[@PHDWhom]

@@kerrynight3271do you not believe that we should be able to fly any flag we want to? Flags are not merely for patriotic worship purposes. Lots of flags have lots of meanings. Or maybe I don't want a flag at all. Does that make me evil, or "UNAMERICAN?"

[@edwinwise6751]

If this is the real America , we are in trouble. These places are dying and will disappear soon . Always leery of those who profess to identity the “ real America “ . It’s all American.

[@chrisdeoni1697]

Your channel is the only one I consistently give a thumbs 👍 and a LIKE. There is an amazing tenderness in the Hartford town that I can't describe. But it's there.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks!

[@janieyoung8987]

Arkansas people are always nice. Love my state ❤

[@juliedepaolo9971]

We love Arkansas and just bought property in the River Valley. Building a home and retiring there. Beautiful state and nice people.

[@OldSoul279]

I've been following you from the beginning and i love your 'read bt the lines' humor. Also love when your wife is on with you. I've lived in several places you've been through. If it's Sunday I'm watching😊

[@marthakierstead3415]

Very nice video of rural Arkansas ! Relaxing as always . My favorite channel- thanks Joe and Nic

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks 👍

[@frankintx699]

I am happy to see some of the small towns preserving some of their old structures. Although it is saddening to see the poverty. With exceptions for the churches and quality of roads, they are similar to small Russian villages where there are mostly older generations living. I guess there not many jobs in these areas, the younger generations have gone to the larger cities. Again, Joe and Nicole, thanks for sharing your adventures. 👍

[@mamasinger49]

So peaceful those lovely towns. Thank you again for an lovely video.

[@sarahdearborn9191]

I'm so happy with the signs about Jesus. Always enjoy your videos!!!! I 'l never be able to see my mother land again.❤

[@TheVimeo]

same. I never thinking that fiction will be on that state so visible.

[@mwyatt222]

you should always ask a local in every video 'where is the best BBQ around here?'. Try it. lt opens up a new world with locals from every state. Love the channel.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Funny you post this, as I have been thinking about doing a BBQ tour of the US in the future.

[@mwyatt222]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip the more remote they are the better.

[@zzzzz77771]

I love these videos. I sit here in England when I'm relaxing and just go to another place, and some of the time, a better place. These small, rural towns are so peaceful, they all seem very Christian too. That's how it was here many years ago, very Christian, but we threw it all out and now our society is unrecognisable and not pleasant at all. Try to keep hold of it, when its gone, it's gone....

[@jeannieglidewellheil9115]

I think the students from Hartford, AR now go to school in Hackett, AR. I grew up in Arkansas and yes, they are very friendly.

[@angelaowens757]

They actually have a choice between Hackett and Mansfield

[@kandyharlow1229]

Some go to Hackett and some go to Mansfield

[@karenperry5342]

I've lived in AR and it's true, very friendly people live there! And it's a beautiful state!

[@usmcmos0317]

Thanks Joe for the ride. Appreciate it , great video. Love these small towns. It’s how I travel now when I do get the chance. Most of the time I’m not on any ones schedule but mine anymore. LoL. Really hated to hear how things have changed in Hawaii in 20+ years. But I gotta agree with you on folks in these small towns and Yep you’re right they will talk to ya long as you want to. Best of luck to you guys on this long run you’re starting on. Looking forward to seeing and hearing about these places along the way. I gotta tell ya after a few days of everything I just want to sit and watch whatever you have found along the road and listen to a great narrative reminds me of just riding around and listening to a good friend telling ya about everything where you are at at the time. LoL. Safe travels my friend. Keep filming I’ll keep watching

[@bobc.7958]

The addition of population data by year is nice to see. Please make it a regular.

[@karengreenlee4356]

I was wondering why they had sprinklers running over the logs in the lumber yard. I looked it up and it's to help preserve moisture content above the fiber saturation point. Hmmm. I thought maybe it was to keep wood wet in case a fire broke out or something. Once again, I learned something new.

[@arizona2222]

Welcome back to the lower 48 you guys! While these videos of dwindling population, dilapidated homes, rising poverty rates, and closed storefronts are interesting, I'm still hoping that on balance you will feature some small towns out there that are making an effort by trying to revitalize their main streets and town squares so they can attract business.. Happy to continue to watch videos like this current one, but for towns fighting the good fight, I actually divert my travel and get off the highway to support these towns by having a meal, getting gas, grabbing a snack-even getting a haircut.

[@AbdallaAli-px9en]

Thank you for your amazing work, feel like touring the USA.

[@zekrk504]

Good to see you back on the road! Thanks again for your informative and entertaining streams! be safe.

[@bluerfoot]

Being from NYC for my almost 60 years I can't imagine what people here do. Perhaps they actually...talk to each other? Funny how the way people live here seems so unnatural to me but in reality it is big city that is unnatural. At least these people don't have to deal with the god awful politics of a NYC. Thanks for the video.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

I’m born and raised NYC and expatriated in 2015 to SW Turkey Best thing I ever did Sag Harbor for 25 years before that

[@TheDaveyLately]

I've lived in a town of 2,000 people and I've lived in major cities. The rural people have it figured out way more than people realize. The economy is smaller but they make do by helping each other.

[@angelaowens757]

We do talk to each other, in a small town we all know one another! Makes life grand!

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

@@angelaowens757 been there done that It’s over rated

[@normasnyder6177]

I love your videos. Especially when you travel the south. It feels like I'm traveling with you. Thanks for all you do.

[@Marvel-Rogue]

@JoeAndNicsRoadTrip Finally i can watch . Yes 1 🐈💕👍🏽. Pretty decent homes and towns 👏🏻🛤🚗

[@sallielebert1407]

Another great vid !! My experience traveling down south was pretty much the same, people are genuine and real friendly ! Always willing to chat … Railroad tracks everywhere some still running … I’m back in my home state of MA & sure do miss the Southern hospitality ♥️👍 Thanks Joe & Nick

[@iiigraghu]

Excellent Presentation 💐 I really love these rural videos. Totally pleasant and lovely 💐🙏

[@Christina-ge3xr]

The older I get the more I appreciate rural America. I’d love to be able to move out of the city.

[@redbone5363]

I sold my city house and moved to rural TN. I purchased a much nicer house with 5 acres for half the money from my city house. Love it and should have done it sooner.

[@rocksandoil2241]

Hartford was an old coal mining town. I'd rather live there than where I do - the rapidly sprawling NW corner of the state. Quieter times.

[@LarryHeagren]

A good start to the next Road Trip. Mansfield was indeed the best town of the 33 for amenities and housing all probably due to its size. It is interesting that folks there are friendly. I noted a high Christian component to these towns which shapes attitudes especially Hartford where for it's small size it had quite a few active churches. The finding of a cat is a real milestone as cats have been scarce for quite a time. Thanks for the look into Arkansas. I knew a fellow who was from there in the Army and he impressed me as a good example of a good American. Thanks again and we will continue to watch as this Road Trip develops.

[@grantpatterson2727]

This is one of my favourite channels. A great exploration of America today, good and bad points both.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Grant!

[@rhondatanner1157]

I work at a harps in Morrilton Arkansas

[@jeffreywhite2272]

thank you for taking me along for my Sundray morning drive.

[@kimchaney8318]

Loved the video but you missed so much of our small town of Huntington. Next time look me up and I can show you all of the great things about our small town.

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Greetings from Australia. I enjoy watching these "Small Town USA" videos. Keep up the great work.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks, will do!

[@louisjardine1158]

Why does it seem like people with less Money are more happy and friendly ?

[@rvlivingwiththegeezer7791]

Just returned from Hot Springs Ark. Beautiful town and very friendly people.

[@jerryglenn7323]

Lord Spoda gives the people ENTERTAINMENT! Thanks Joe👍

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Jerry!

[@paphillyman]

Love when you come across a property that has a lot of "stuff" , makes me laugh every time !

[@sherryryczek4811]

I noticed no litter. Such a beautiful state!

[@jeffdunnell6693]

Thanks for another great tour, I enjoy your travels.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks for watching!

[@lindadavis1631]

Thanks for the ride. Love the scenery . See you next week . 👍👍💕

[@charliemorris1942]

Disappointed when you got to Mansfield you didn't mention how clean and neat it appeared. You drove down streets that had nice uncluttered lawns and well maintained houses, but you didn't say anything until you passed the one house with all the junk. But totally agree about people. I worked for a map company and when traveling in Arkansas, the people were very nice, friendly and down to earth

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I didn't have to mention it. You could clearly see it.

[@nadiaborzacchini1987]

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life". Love your video what a pretty town

[@vuho2075]

I vote for less religion and more U-Haull. Time to move somewhere else to get a job.

[@craigo7235]

Do you believe in fairies as well., or just Santa Claus?

[@64hunt]

Great video Joe I don’t know why I find these small town rural areas so interesting guess cause my father used to live in one in Southern Ga before he headed North to Atlanta for more opportunities, these small town communities were crucial back in the day keep doing what u do best

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@torza2]

Beautiful countryside

[@janlarson2584]

You make me laugh. I love your comments about the "stuff" that people accumulate. I do the same. Lol It would drive me nuts to have all that "stuff" on my property. Keep doing the videos. Entertaining. Be safe out there.

[@kendallkilgore7799]

I was just in Hartford yesterday! I was on my way to Heavner Oklahoma.

[@marybrazil4326]

Very nice adventure, thank you!

[@Acrossroad2324]

It's sweet little town. I work at that gas station he passed at the beginning and am very familiar with the people of Hartford. I really wish the city would do more wirh the abandoned properties but there isn't much money flowing around there to do it

[@nancysimpson4246]

Thank you Joe for this video like always

[@tammycovey4600]

Town of Hartford: The school shut down about 2018 and sold later to numerous individuals and the City of Hartford. The high school was turned into apartments.The NH arena in the football field was a 2-year memorial for a young student named Newt Hodge where they had rodeos in his honor. The people downtown were there for the twice-weekly food pantry. There are several churches. Many buildings downtown are empty. There were two short-term eating establishments there until 2 years ago. The student population began its decline around 1998 because the quality of education declined and students were unruly as admin gave up. Why do I say that? Our kids went there and I was a substitute teacher, there a lot. Most of the kids transferred to Hackett School. There used to be a working coal mine there up to about 10-12 years ago. Most people won’t report the crimes as not much done about it locally.

[@jamesspain5049]

I have family up both sides in their cemetery, good people down there. Big coal mining area from back in the day, lots of immigrants from Ireland, France , etc settled the area. Serviced by two railroads in Hartford, two in Huntington with the Rock Island going thru both. C.P. Huntington railroad tycoon was how Huntington received their name. Major mining in both areas. Thanks to Bill Clinton, and others, Rock Island at bankruptcy in 1980 was not sold to Santa Fe, and really killed potential thru that area, from lLittle Rock thru Oklahoma on that line.

[@TheAsif5182]

how beautiful place is that . i wish if people do farming vegetables there .that would make this town more beautiful .❤

[@Yawndave]

Hey there, happy Saturday! Always nice to ride shotgun with you on the rural back roads. Quite the change of venue since last week, eh? 🙂Interesting to hear your remarks about the friendliness of folks in Arkansas vis-à-vis the islanders. As usual, while watching I peruse google maps/street view -- to ad an extra layer of immersion, if you will. In Hartford I see there's a spot called "Biscuits And Hugs"...when I'm on the road there are times I could use both. I also note that Frogtown is just down the road, I would've taken a short detour just to see if there was a "Welcome to Frogtown" sign I could grab a photo of. My theory on the yards full of "stuff": I don't think they necessarily have more of it than in other areas of the country. In more affluent locales people have tons of stuff too, but they hide it away in storage units. Until next time, happy trails!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

You make a good point. I have lots of stuff as well, but it's all in storage! :)

[@TessaRucker]

It’s always sad to see towns dying with abandoned homes, schools and buildings. But it sounds like the people are cordial and most likely happy with what they have.

[@TheDaveyLately]

You should check out Mansfield, MO where the Little House on the Prairie books were written! It's also the area the inspiration for The Hustler is from! It's also where infamous major league pitcher Carl Mays is from!

[@stephanier6781]

You didn't hit the right area for cats. There are 100's of feral cats on a couple blocks. 😂 Football field in Hartford was 1st football field in Arkansas to have lights. School was closed about 4 or 5 years ago. The day you visited we were having a food drop for the area due to food scarcity in our rural area and surrounding towns. The drop is run by volunteers in the community. Thanks for visiting our quaint little community.

[@patm5594]

Great video and safe journey

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks 👍

[@dedriapettus9637]

My son is the Pastor at the Huntington Assembly Of God church that you mentioned😊 Me & my husband also live in Huntington 😏

[@tammycovey4600]

Yes, Travis is a great guy. Our son Willis attends there.

[@dedriapettus9637]

@@tammycovey4600 thank you & you too have a great son! Our church family loves him❤️❤️

[@frankadams2401]

Lord Spoda: as usual you give an excellent video. When you and yours hit the East again, try to visit " Point of rocks Md."

[@vontaylor472]

Love your videos❤

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!