I went to the POOREST place in America (Owsley County, Kentucky - Booneville)

[@chopsticksandtrains]

NOTE FROM CREATOR: My closing monologue got cut out of this video due to a claim filed against the music I used (which was guaranteed copyright free) and that monologue was of major significance. So I'm going to paraphrase what I said starting at the 10:42 mark: "For being the poorest county in the nation, Booneville was a lot better than I thought it would be. Statistically, it might be located in the poorest county in the country, but one way in which it is not poor is in terms of its natural beauty. The hills, the rivers, the forests - it's all truly breathtaking. The US often gets a bad rap. It seems like all we hear about are the problems we face. Drugs, crime, homelessness, etc. Well, we certainly do have our fair share of problems, but as a world traveler that's been to many parts of the world, I've got a news flash for you all: so do other countries. In fact, if you went to the 'poorest county' in virtually any other country, it wouldn't be anywhere near as nice as Owsley County is. This isn't an insult to other countries, this is just a fact. It's also an important perspective that we don't often here. The people I met in Booneville were truly salt of the earth. They were the type of people that would give you the shirt right off their back if you needed it, even if it was their very last one. Booneville is a place where normalcy rules. People have traditional values. Men act like men and women act like women. All in all it was a very interesting trip. I'm glad I visited Booneville, and who knows... one of these days I might be back to visit again." Just after this closing monologue the US flag and eagle fade into the scene.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@chopsticksandtrains nice post, most don’t realize or accept that other places have the same issues, my wife’s family is from WV and were very poor. We go back there for reunions and love the area and the people . But for me I would still be lacking for things to do as I’m 75 and have different interests. Love the area though

[@chopsticksandtrains]

@@arthurbrumagem3844 Hi Arthur. Really appreciate you sharing your thoughts/experiences here. Stay blessed my friend.

[@danlaflamme9372]

👍🇺🇸 iam positive u won't see the flag burned in that town!!!

[@jackiewilson5276]

Very interesting tour of a nice little town. Thanks!

[@jamie-gy6bd]

I have seen a lot worse in California

[@MattBegley-vc6zu]

I live in this little town, work full time EMS and vol. at the fire depts. it isn’t often that people from out of town have a nice thing to say about us. Yes we have crime,drugs, and bad people but everywhere else doe also. I appreciate the honesty and glad you didn’t point out “ the rough ones” to talk to like all the other people. I am actually the one driving by in the little green ford ranger in the video.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Oh wow - that's crazy! So we literally crossed paths?! Shoot, next time I'm back let's grab a coffee at the Old Bus Stop Diner - would love to hear more about life in Booneville. Thanks for watching, friend! Stay blessed

[@MattBegley-vc6zu]

@@chopsticksandtrains I would love to. I could introduce you to some of the kindest people you will ever meet. And even show you around. I know I could get access to the old jail and you could look around. All of our fire/ rescue is 100% volunteers. I know the owners of bus stop ( it’s booneville we all know each other) and they are really good people.

[@michaelsix9684]

KY is a small state, things can be improved, haven't figured out the formula yet

[@howlinwulf]

​@@michaelsix9684hey people here need a few jobs a few doctors and not much change. We like it laid back like this.

[@timothylanders3189]

Couldn't see a green Ranger but, cool to know. Lovely place for sure. You're blessed :)

[@bojiden5042]

In Kentucky we choose solitude and woods over wealth but we are free in our minds and wave at our neighbors

[@barbara8802]

Sounds devine!

[@annjames1837]

Once the secret is out, the Californians will in vade and ruin it

[@jammergirl6897]

Amen, I'm in Knox County Ky. And totally agree ❤❤

[@sea2sea2seevanlife92]

I was on Zillow halfway through the video… ‘Poor’ is an oddity, rich in spirit, perhaps not needing or desiring world riches. My people, ‘salt of the Earth.’ ❤️

[@adventurellama7444]

Tennessee resident here. Yes, Kentucky and Tennessee are amazingly beautiful

[@backrowbrighton]

Hi from the UK, I'm an impartial observer but this quiet little town looked far from grim. It seemed clean and well maintained and had the essentials to support its community. Not everywhere needs artisan coffee shops or bakeries.

[@awillis244]

Sag! U mean drugs are out there too. U mean they have money for drugs, unbelievable.

[@FritzSmith-h4g]

"Hi, I'm from the UK" Note, most videos on KZbin exaggerate the facts just to get you to watch half-truths. To say "Osley County is the poorest in the US" is a great example. It suggests that he has travelled extensively to all the poorest places in the US. Hi, I'm from Montana. Also, an "impartial observer" of the truth, which is a rare find on KZbin.

[@l.dennard772]

It was a nice place to live when there were jobs that paid a living wage. It could be again, but there has to be a way for people to make a decent living.

[@manichairdo9265]

​@@l.dennard772Same in the UK. Some once thriving towns have become derelect. Shop shutters down. Covered in graffiti. Mass unemployment.

[@liamwilson1058]

Poor doesn’t mean bad. I’d live there, seems quiet and laid back. No poop all over the street and no one getting pulled out of their car at gun point.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

True!

[@LesterMoore]

Looks like a good place to open a five table, 1 snooker pool table room. A counter for hamburger/fries and ice cold beer/soft drinks and coffee. Place for Socializing after the restaurant closes up for the night.

[@grenzhochspannungshindernis]

How else would you know you are in America then?😆

[@christinaurban7229]

Better than St Louis Mo.

[@deanmason5900]

​@christinaurba,or Dallas Texas.n7229

[@MarkFrost-zc5ne]

That's nice of the store owner to give you a bottle of water for free

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Yes, he was a very nice guy. Perhaps I should have included him in the video, but he was a bit of an old-timer and I didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable in any way.

[@marlanscott2508]

I would've given that store owner a 100 dollar bill just for being open. 😊

[@JBrown-nf5ss]

I have lived in Europe, Hawaii and all over the US. I would rather live in Owsley County (or anywhere else in Eastern KY/TN than in NYC, LA, etc. The people are friendly and I feel safer there than in the large cities.

[@misterb5926]

Less people, Less problems...the high tech, fast paced, social media and internet society is not good or wanted by everyone. Less Stress...more family, friends, good food, and enjoying nature.

[@BangkokJohn]

For sure you are safer and the area is clean. I bet the churches would feed you.

[@amadablam8229]

Large cities are for criminals and communists.

[@maryreilly5092]

Well Said!

[@johnstrobel8051]

The books say the people are poor up there , but they are rich when it comes to living in such a beautiful place

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Yes, absolutely!

[@BrianVincent-k6g]

Not really. Everything is trashed out including the people. It's beautiful land covered in human rubble, and garbage. East Kentucky is 3rd world nowadays.

[@kevinjames5948]

Lmao white delusion

[@Robmancan1987]

I live about an hour from there and looks can be deceiving. These old people aren't necessarily poor. They do live like it. My grandmother for example wears clothes she's had for 30 years. She even has a pair of shoes with a hole in them. Old house that hasn't been renovated in 40 years. But she could pay cash for a brand new Lamborghini tomorrow if she wanted. Just because you don't spend money like Congress doesn't mean your poor. These people grew up very different than most of America. I would say people living on the streets and under overpasses are poor. We mainly like living how we live. We like helping each other and being left alone. We already have a savior. Most aren't looking for another one.

[@user-Cam-x7b]

Having the freedom to live the way you want, in that you don’t have to get caught up in the racket of consumerism… life issues you greater peace of mind when you you live it on your terms, and are not bound up by the economic slavery of a greedy and corrupt financial system. Who cares what car you drive or whether or not you have designer clothes (jeans with huge rips and tears for example lol) . If your home is outdated in decor and finishes….soooooo what?! At some point life just needs to stand still and be consistent with the atmosphere of we would consider yesteryear. It is okay …it is good. Many of yesteryear appliances are far more reliable than modern appliances which are intentionally built to be come obsolete in less than 10 years … and in some cases, good luck with that Samsung washing machine that needs repairs and eventually dies in just five years. And all of those appliances end up in a big dump site ….. increasing an already overwhelmed environment. Ya know?. The way we are conditioned to think/evaluate what is actually rich or poor … isn’t a healthy perspective in MHOP.

[@hedgehog5001]

Poorest in what capacity? Financially maybe but in character, friendliness, warmth, love for others, an ability to survive against the odds......the Appalaichan folk are amongst the richest. Blessing to you wonderful people.

[@angelcitystudio]

Same thing can be said about poor in the inner city.... But no way... They are dangerous and should be feared and hated, right?

[@davianoinglesias5030]

Just like in the city, should get same treatment

[@MyKeeP81]

@@angelcitystudioignorant people lol. Yeah these people are poor asf.

[@g-man7938]

I gave you a thumbs up for the commentary at the end of the video, thanks for being positive and not trashing the place. 👍

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Glad you watched till the end! Thanks for the support! That region is awesome - I seem to hit it off with the people very well down there. They could tell I was an out-of-towner and some seemed a little suspicious at first, but once we got to chatting we could have talked all day. When I left the diner some of the locals told me they hope I'll come back and visit them again soon! Not the workers, but just some common local folks. Amazing experience.

[@c-hawkins4358]

It's a very clean town, pride in ownership.

[@guxtinction]

That's easy to do when there's no people there

[@larrydbeal1]

No graffiti.... no burned down buildings.... I'll take it

[@markbrown-rq6is]

beautiful

[@GaryBlake-ij1zt]

Mountain empire best place in the world.

[@Statickification]

Yeah, enjoy those old, uninhabited buildings that time and no money to fix them is tearing down quite nicely.

[@jamesknight4633]

Looks like a nice clean place to live, no blacks running amok, no graffiti , no trash, no homeless. I’ll take it.

[@Statickification]

@@jamesknight4633 I stay away because all the in-bred hillbillies myself.

[@Fritha71]

Hi from Finland! This was a nice little video, love seeing the America that is always hidden from the rest of the world. I'd rather travel to Booneville than to present day San Fransisco, that's for sure.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

This is one of my first comments from Finland! What a pleasant surprise! So glad you stumbled upon my video and I hope you'll consider following my channel for lots of future adventures!

[@ericwitt4359]

No anti-male sentiment, no PC, no free speech rules, no gang violence, no burned down buildings, no high taxes ... Mmmm any houses for rent there?

[@howlinwulf]

You can buy easy here. No need to rent.

[@dyter07]

@@howlinwulf I just checked the prices, 100k minimum

[@debrascott8492]

I live in Kentucky and Owsley County (as small as it is) is very well known for drug dealing. It is actually a breeding ground for drug dealers. There is no law enforcement, so no one really cares what goes on. Why should they.

[@barhat961]

PC?

[@nuavecmoi]

@@dyter07seriously? 😬

[@marystewart1125]

I recently left apparently Philly for KY. It’s like living in a Hallmark movie. It’s so wholesome after stepping over needles and urine for a decade. I love the people here. They are all family. Go Cats!

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for watching Mary! I hope your new life in KY is going well!

[@harrybond1485]

Are you kidding me.That area is just strewn with meth labs

[@kaym7704]

When hardly anyone lives there, yeah you’re not going to find much.

[@deanmason5900]

@@kaym7704 Sounds like the place I would be looking for. Great Grandfather was from Eastern KENTUCKY served three years in the 22nd KENTUCKY Volunteer Infantry USA .

[@stevehicks8944]

Sure about that? Fentanyl is the drug of choice in SE KY these days, like it is in most of the U.S. I know this because my wife and I own property in SE KY. Have you ever been to SE KY?

[@erocker78]

I would love to buy a home and retire surrounded with this kind of scenery. They might be poor but at least they live in peace and do not have to be worry about being annoyed or bothered by anyone else.

[@annjames1837]

Nah

[@jaya.0069]

Very true!!

[@swannoir7949]

I Hurd that 😂

[@The.Nasty.]

I used to live a couple hours from there… It is poor, but the countryside in that region of the USA is beautiful and the people are usually very friendly and happy to chat, especially the old timers. Glad you got to get some fresh air state-side buddy.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Oh, no kidding? It sure is a small world, 'ay! Yeah, it really is a beautiful area and the people were wonderful.

[@The.Nasty.]

@@chopsticksandtrains it truly is a small one!

[@dongshengdi773]

​@@chopsticksandtrainsThis place is the real homeless people in America. Their houses are small but better than in rural China. Even the homeless people in America have houses

[@theaveragejoe5781]

West Virginia is very beautiful.

[@The.Nasty.]

@@dongshengdi773 I’ve always said that about where I came from too… People are all poor, together. I never saw someone without a home, even the most down-and-out people could afford a small trailer or a little plot of land.

[@charlesburke2379]

What you see is poor people dealing with their hardship without becoming street criminals.

[@billkallas1762]

Making Meth?

[@hairyape3935]

SSI checks due to depression

[@TomHogan-i1y]

Vacuumsealead train compartments

[@TomHogan-i1y]

Elateothaluisoys water filters for the revers that colect all heavy leatels

[@TomHogan-i1y]

Have a fille raconte steak

[@YOUR_INDEPENDENT_NEWS]

In the South it's not all about money it's about living the way we want that brings happiness.

[@CoolHandLuke01]

Nothing is all about anything.

[@elliottture6979]

Atlanta and Miami are in the south.

[@greenwave819]

@@CoolHandLuke01 huh?

[@greenwave819]

@@elliottture6979 ATL maybe, Miami no

[@stephaniepersin4222]

@@YOUR_INDEPENDENT_NEWS it's like that in the NE too. Glorifying everything in the south gets old.

[@BigfootRidge]

My wife and I live in our motor home in West Virginia. Believe me we’re not rich, we’re happy though and God has blessed us richly. We have contentment and God. We’re good.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Glad you stumbled upon the video! I hope you'll consider subbing to the channel for future adventures!

[@mouseandryforever6848]

Most people think money makes blessings, but it doesn't. What u have is much more valuable.

[@aliciamarie9704]

I hope God takes good care of you and doesn’t see the need to bring you too much suffering.

[@BigfootRidge]

@@aliciamarie9704 not too much anyway.

[@ommandababineaux1888]

Yes, May God continue to bless you and your wife.

[@KUPHAN0812]

My family lives in Booneville, my cousin was the Sheriff for a few years - amazing people in this part of the county. Once the coal and tobacco leases dried up not a lot of other options for revenue. Certainly some of the nicest and most resourceful people on the planet.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Oh wow - thanks for the interesting comment!

[@turquoise950]

It is the kind of place where you can feel perfectly safe 100% of the time!

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Haha, right?! “No homeless people and I can even go out at night!” 🤪

[@TentaclePentacle]

eh don't feel too safe there are bears and mountain lions.

[@lilbob369]

That’s a very clean dollar store. Not like here in Louisiana. We earn more money probably but I would rather live with them. Nice folks. We have lots of drug addicts and dealers here but we earn more money. Money helps but it’s not everything. Less people more peace and quiet. Just move my do not far from there across the gap to m VA. A man needs a good pocket knife and the Philly cheese steak is the way to go. You want delicious food you need to visit poor poor Louisiana. Great gas station food

[@Washedintheblood1988]

Wonder why that is?

[@louyork8379]

@@Washedintheblood1988it’s the lack of pigmentation in the residents

[@ejwa12]

I grew up just a few miles south of Owsley County in Clay County. My grandmother was from Owsley and I still have distant kin there today. Booneville has gone down both in size and population since the main resources of logging and coal has both been depleted. If you noticed the empty lots between the store buildings, there were stores there too. One whole block of downtown burned and was never rebuilt. It lacks a lot of things but I can think of many places that are worse to live.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for sharing those details! Very interesting to read.

[@BonsaiBuckeye]

My family lived there years past...Bowling and Taylor

[@gregorytremaine1164]

The streets are clean. No graffiti. No tents. No homeless sprawled everywhere. No addicts standing in the middle of the street. No needles and beer bottles everywhere....

[@dpcwing729]

Nope just some who got caught selling crack cocaine.

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

That’s good & says a lot !!

[@gregorytremaine1164]

@@catherinebreitfeller669 Yes. It is.

[@heathernikki5734]

Right! Looks good to me!

[@swaggernautilus3891]

Ttust me booneville is like 80 percent druggies. I live literally 15 minutes from there

[@BleuCzech]

My best bud has been movin from NYC for Booneville for about 10 years. Nothing happens too fast there. It's just the sounds of nature anywhere you go. Easy to get lost. We went to a little church one Sunday. Got lost the next day, and found a market went inside and told the clerk we didn't know the address but there was a little church at the corner. Someone in line says , oh I know you guys were in my church, lol

[@chopsticksandtrains]

That's amazing. Wish I more time to explore out there!

[@LindaMcDonald-vl3rt]

No garbage laying around. Looks clean.

[@jamessullivan9992]

back in the 70's every town in Appalachia had some old timers witling in front of a store.

[@NosebergEatzbugsVonShekelstein]

They taught whittling at the grammar school where I grew up, they held me back a year because I was only whittling at a third grade level.

[@heathernikki5734]

@@NosebergEatzbugsVonShekelsteinlove your name 😂

[@NosebergEatzbugsVonShekelstein]

@@heathernikki5734 Love you too! 💜

[@KarenRodriguez-bi7ft]

Thank you for this tour. I was shocked when you said it was the poorest place in America. Yet, it was nice and clean. Being poor doesn’t mean you have to be dirty or destructive. This town gave me a lump in my throat because I got to see people who value and appreciate what little they have.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Yes, that was one of the most striking things about it! Statistically, Owsley is apparently the poorest place in the country... Yet, no litter, no graffiti, no weirdos out on the street causing trouble... instead is was clean, the people were nice and it was a very patriotic place. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Your contribution means a lot to me! Stay blessed, Karen. 🙏🌹

[@FieldsOfGold149]

@@chopsticksandtrains you are correct

[@KarenRodriguez-bi7ft]

@@chopsticksandtrains Yes, no graffiti. I completely forgot about that!

[@LaurieValdez-zk3dy]

Everything is falling apart😢

[@FieldsOfGold149]

@@LaurieValdez-zk3dy no videographers don’t show the good, this video was the most respectful, yes in case everyone hasn’t noticed drugs and their dangers are everywhere the percentages are the same equal to the population. I will try to start showing everything videographers failed to do they many nice newer apartment they don’t show …. Poorest is used improperly it’s low population so the funding is lower.

[@georgewhitehead8185]

No homeless flopped on the street. No needles = nice. Pleasant Mural on the wall, with no graffiti. No one has stolen the bell by the Boone marker/sign. Nice Town. Dr. George Whitehead

[@annjames1837]

13% are missing

[@collinsmwangi2079]

We are now over 17%😎​@@annjames1837

[@prettykitty5416]

It’s only 5,000 people….ANY town with so little people will be like this😑

[@heathernikki5734]

@@prettykitty5416absolutely not true, lived in a small town in NC with a population less than that. Was not the same.

[@SimplyEnigma]

@@annjames1837 Interesting 👀

[@Jimmy-wl2iw]

Been to Boonesville, I reside about three hours west in Elizabethtown. Not originally from here, best people you’ll ever meet 😊

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for sharing Jimmy! I appreciate you watching/commenting!

[@marlanscott2508]

Sometimes peace, quiet, and serenity is worth a whole lot more. 😊

[@Kyfried]

Best places to be is a town like this. No stupidity or foolishness like the rest of the US. Don't need lots of money too live a real life.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for tuning in, sir! :)

[@kd6836]

Exactly. People who love the cities, would you rather spend a night on the streets of a major American city or Booneville? The next morning you’ll be alive in Booneville.

[@harrybond1485]

Wrong, all there is is stupidity.

[@collinsmwangi2079]

Everyone needs money they just aren't smart enough to be rich

[@philmabarak5421]

We have a systemic problem. Same causes that effect inner cities also effect rural America. Blame that dic reagan for changing us from a manufacturing economy to a financial economy and the BS trickle down piss. Now, rural America blames the wrong people and continues to vote against their best interests. Foolishness and stupidity is in every demographic.

[@trevorharris5374]

Looks so clean and tidy thanks for sharing this.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Glad you enjoyed the vid, Trevor!

[@trevorharris5374]

@@chopsticksandtrains your welcome, I'm from England and I could live there ok. Nice quiet town and slow pace of life.

[@alex-ur3pu]

Very nice! I live in a town in Australia far north Queensland with 1000 people & really appreciate the nature out here (yes including the brown snakes (haven't come across any taipans)). Country life is where it's at!

[@larryhatfield7372]

I use to live in some little towns in QLD , capela , Middlemount when I worked in the mines there , sure miss it

[@bigcahuna42366]

For being a very poor town, most of the buildings in Booneville appear to be in very decent shape. Much better than places like Gary, IN or the Kensington borough of Philly.

[@WilliamWhelan-jh3lj]

Kentucky's beauty 🙏 Thanks for sharing 💯

[@chopsticksandtrains]

You're welcome sir!

[@MegaRiffraff]

I moved to southern Kentucky 7 years ago from Memphis Tennessee, it is a beautiful and safe state, land is very reasonably priced, except for flat farm land it’s high dollar 💵! I have to drive to Nashville for my job but I’ll take it , when i get up early and go to work i dont have to pick up the garbage out of my yard and no one’s tryed to break into my car ! 👍🏻

[@drewsizemore4389]

I live a couple counties over but, i have stayed the night a few times here in Boonville and Owsley co: Some of the best people i have truly ever met, times are changing and we need each other NOW more than ever... Ty @Chopsticks and Trains for doing this and visiting my beautiful state/stomping grounds 💌🤟🍀

[@chopsticksandtrains]

I really appreciate your comment. There are so many little counties and towns out there that most people will never hear of. I really want to get out there and do some serious exploring. The people and the nature were fantastic out there! Glad you enjoyed the video and many blessings to you and your family, my friend.

[@drewsizemore4389]

@@chopsticksandtrains

[@drewsizemore4389]

@@chopsticksandtrains if you ever wanna come to Leslie County aka the homeplace to the holler called "Hell For Certain"*which is were i was born, contact me! I'd love you show you around, the backstory, the forrest, the EVERYTHING needs to be documented before its gone away to nothing... due to no exposure and alot more i can't go into in a comment! Thanks for the reply if anything! GOD BLESS YOU

[@saltydogz4657]

I just looked. Booneville has a population of 168, in a county of 5,000 people. With so few people, I expect it doesn't generate much financially. For a town of 168, it actually looks rather sizeable. Most places of that size only have a post office and perhaps a service station. A lot of those small towns in Appalachia were once bigger and have pretty much dried up, especially the old coal boom towns that thrived in the 1950s. Not sure if Ousley county ever fell into that framework. I lived part of my life in eastern Kentucky, but I don't ever recall being anywhere near there. He's right about perspective. I've travelled to over 60 countries and lived in a few of them. Some were shockingly poor. But the people were nice and seemed happy. For that matter, when I was in law school in the Boston area (yeah, JD Vance isn't the only person from that area with an Ivy League education, there are actually quite a few), I did law clinics for indigent residents, and many in Massachusetts were just as poor as anywhere else, and it's considered a high-end state. The same could be said for when I lived in California, and now Hawaii. People see the world as they want to see it. You have to really open your eyes to see things as they actually are.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for that wonderful comment!

[@ianstuart5660]

Excellent comment! 👍👍

[@CoolHandLuke01]

Statistics are the essence of the story.

[@Mynx5050]

Loved it, thank you kindly for your time ❤

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Glad you enjoyed it Diana! Hope you'll consider following my channel for more adventures (if you aren't already). Stay blessed.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Nice video, thanks for sharing it with us. My wife and I live in Barren County, Kentucky. Although there are a lot of poor counties in Kentucky, the people, for the most part, are very nice. We've traveled through a lot of Kentucky and the scenery is beautiful just about everywhere you go, except maybe in the large cities. We love picking out a spot on the map and just going for a drive to see what's there. Also, did you know that Kentucky is home to the world's longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park, the greatest length of navigable waterways and streams in the contiguous United States, and the two largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi River.

[@ripple947]

Yes, named after the same Owsley family that Augustus Owsley Stanley III, known either as Owsley or his nickname Bear, was part of. He was the legendary producer of the cleanest LSD, early benefactor of the Grateful Dead who never would have gotten off the ground without his patronage, and master soundman for the GD and other bands.

[@MichaelSmith4501-jd8pu]

I never saw a prettier state when I was truck driving.

[@markrichards6863]

I would never live in a state that does not have a coastline.

[@stevehicks8944]

Then, you are condemned to miss out on the most beautiful parts of the U.S.

[@ccrider00]

Tennessee is eye pleasing also along the interstate.

[@annjames1837]

​@@markrichards6863good

[@annjames1837]

​@@ccrider00Tennessee has become a traffic nightmare because if the influx of blue state in vaders

[@woodhippie5643]

My family is from there. I still own part of the family farm. My family moved to this area around 1850. I don't live there full time but visit our property there as much as possible. It is a truly nice place.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Too bad I didn't bump into you while I was there - would have been very interesting to grab a coffee and hear you tell me more about life in the town! Thanks for watching/commenting!

[@stevehicks8944]

My wife’s family still owns the original land grant her paternal great great great great grandfather received for fighting in the American Revolution. He took possession of the land in 1799.

[@michaelsix9684]

instead of sending money to the Ukraine, why not spend it on places like this?

[@Northernmike100]

The better question is, why do people from areas like that vote for a party that’s only platform is to cut rich people’s taxes and won’t support a party that wants to improve their lives????

[@ILuvMyBernie]

Amen to that! I live in Lexington which is about 2 hrs away. I don't understand why we're so gung ho about taking care of other countries when people in our own state are struggling every day. I wish someone would give me a logical explanation for this.

[@michaelsix9684]

@@ILuvMyBernie someone gets paid off or bribed with this aid money, Ukraine is very corrupt and lots of money or items sent there by us have been stolen or sold

[@philmabarak5421]

Different allocation. And we send weapons, not money, and then we upgrade ours which employ thousands of people. But we are not going to allow a fkng dictator to take over Europe one country at a time. Anyone that undermines this administration just emboldens dictators! The last orange dic stain is a traitor!

[@davidneal6920]

A very well kept small town. Nice and tidy. Really struck me was the road margins nice and tidy and no rubbish. Must have some proud residents and good local council who keep things tidy 🇺🇸 🇳🇿

[@FrederickPalka]

This is my type of town 👍 From Guam, USA 🇺🇸

[@mickeypaul7540]

My mothers family is from Owsley 12 kids my grandfather was an Isaacs my grandmother a Harvey my aunt Eileen always said they were the poorest people in the poorest county in the poorest state so they were the poorest people in the United States we lived there one summer and it was paradise to me I visit each year to fill my soul and walk the ground my people walked and visit our cemetery thank you for posting this mp

[@chopsticksandtrains]

That's a beautiful comment! Thanks for sharing!

[@rabokarabekian409]

I luv profoundly superficial drive-by vids like this. Partial stories are the BEST!

[@nicholast.minton1922]

I’m from The Laurel/Clay County line in a community named Bush addressed London, KY but also shared my raising in Manchester, KY - been all over the country and here’s as good anywhere to call home… Thanks for the great video - gained a new subscriber!!!

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thank you so much for subbing and I enjoyed reading your comment! Glad to have you along for the ride!

[@edro3838]

Born in Clay County as well. Dad was from Leslie. Lived a long time in Fayette. Living in TX now. Sure miss KY 😉

[@chopsticksandtrains]

@@edro3838 Hey, Texas ain't bad! Got the best country music out there!

[@edro3838]

@@chopsticksandtrains 👍🤣

[@johngregory7841]

Some of my kinfolk are buried in a tiny little cemetery in Marydell. Just up the way past Bush. Gorgeous area though it was interesting trying to (and eventually making it to the site) get to the secluded cemetery.

[@truckerbrandonsmith]

Kentucky is truly an amazing place with some of the most friendly people in the country. I lived in Harlan county,KY when I was young it was a great place to be I love Cumberland state park and the Appalachian mountains there’s so much stuff to do outdoors. I miss Kentucky we had to move away because my moms job moved outtve state so now we are in Illinois I hate it here, but Kentucky is my true home ❤️ I visit Kentucky every year maybe one day I’ll be able to move back the only problem is there is limited job opportunities, but man the people awesome they help out strangers down there true southern hospitality, and the scenery in that state is breathtaking. The most underrated state in America imo.

[@1dancier]

I'm from Australia and cycled across the US on the Trans American trail. Camped at the Booneville Presbyterian Church and it was one of the best spots on the seventy three day journey.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

That is amazing! What a journey that must have been! Thanks for commenting!

[@calotanjungpriok]

I love quiet and solemn place.place where no drama needed.

[@Big_Jims_American_Dream]

Northern VA guy here -- I'll come check this place out, maybe in the Fall. Nice video.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for tuning in, Big Jim! Safe travels my friend! I hope you’ll consider following the channel! I have a lot in the pipeline! Stay blessed

[@natet5959]

Kentucky is a beautiful state. Lots of natural beauty in every corner. It's gorgeous in the spring and fall, but gray and lifeless in the winter. If I had the money, I would keep my house in Kentucky and buy one in Arizona for the winter.

[@nazirite11]

We lived in Beattyville a little North of Booneville and visited there many times. We were involved in a ministry. It is a beautiful place and thanks for sharing this video and bringing back some great memories.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Really enjoyed reading that comment! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@judypierce7028]

I am sorry to burst your bubble, but the poorest place in the US is Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The median income on this Native American Reservation is well below poverty level. There are few, if any, places for employment. There are no banks, beautify salons, barber shops, dry cleaning, fast food places, and decent gas convenience stories. However, there is one somewhat small convenience store, a small hospital, and small supermarket when it is open. I have been assisting several schools on the Reservation since 2009 and you cannot tell me that Owsley County is the poorest place in the US.

[@swannoir7949]

So true. Thanks for your post.

[@williamedwardhackman4695]

That city in Kentucky looks great to me anyway.

[@mariobozzola973]

For being poor it looks very well taken care. It’s a place I would love to visit.

[@notademonrat]

I grew up in a small town like this, sadly only way to keep it alive is rich people that want to live in a small town and government money. Theres really no way to make a living with a small business in a town like this. But if you can afford to live there its a great place to raise a family.

[@Happy_life0000]

Kentucky is so beautiful

[@BleuCzech]

People around there have a different view of what makes you rich or poor. They are resilient, honorable folks. You'd be surprised at what can be hidden in the woods!

[@richardturner7664]

Unreported Lynching 😏👿

[@brotherlittlefoot2216]

@@richardturner7664 Why don't you come through for a visit then?

[@thomasarchambault9463]

No garbage littering the streets, No spray paint on the walls. I guess there really is a difference when comparing breeds. 🧐

[@angelcitystudio]

The "breed" you are speaking of are still better though. Not nearly as racist or ignorant and they still have their teeth. So glad I dont have to spend my life comparing myself to other races or other poor people in order to boost my self esteem.

[@thomasarchambault9463]

@@angelcitystudio Well, it’s a free country.

[@davianoinglesias5030]

True, the native people are the superior breed when it comes to conserving the environment

[@michaelmurphy4387]

Boo, Hoo.

[@thomasarchambault9463]

@@davianoinglesias5030 Really? Then why do all the reservations look so trashy? Respectfully, this is a serious question. I am in no way trying to sound rude or demeaning so please don’t take it that way. Thank you for replying in advance.

[@kingfish4242]

I live in a poor area as well ( Ms. coast ). The cost of living is low though and many retirees settle there. You have to take that into consideration. This town is beautiful. I'd live here and be very happy

[@mrMacGoover]

I love Kentucky, I volunteered to do reno work at a Bible College there in my early 20's and the land was beutiful with it's rolling treetop canopies and women who in most cases are traditional in the sense of wearing dresses and posses the ability to keep a home and a man.

[@Billtwiggmeister]

I grew up in the poorest county, one of the poorest in the country too, now the richest county in Georgia. Forsyth county, right in the middle of Appalachia, in north central Georgia. Good times.

[@wisdomleader85]

It's quite refreshing to see you do a touring video to the rural areas. The scenery is indeed spectacular. I recall Vice did a documentary about the opioid problem in West Virginia years ago, which was also quite concerning. Great to see they still have a jukebox there, even though they don't use classic vinyl records anymore. 👍

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thank you! And totally agree, love a good jukebox. Waffle House always loves when I visit because I keep that music coming 😁

[@mikenorman4816]

My dad's family were early settlers in the Booneville area, and in adjacent Lee County, just up Rt 11. All the family there is now gone, but so many wonderful memories of all the people there. Spent many summers in the area. It is a beautiful place, with a rich history and a lot of great people. I miss those old times there so much.

[@rogerhurst8851]

What great looking place to live, love from Bristol England UK.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Awesome to have a viewer from the UK here! I spent a month in London before, but wasn't vlogging then. Loved my time in England!

[@MayFlorSeñeres]

The surrounding is clean.The place is quiet.The people has rich in peace of mind.So amazing place to live.

[@billburgess9100]

I doubt if most of the residents think of themselves as poor. The clean streets and sidewalks tell me they are not down and out. I'm impressed with this "poor" town.

[@joesphmurphy4013]

C&T: Thanks for bringing me along on your road trip; Booneville is a gold mine compared to some towns I have seen in my travels. Your commentary was smooth and pleasant to the ear. Great video of rural America.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

What a nice and friendly comment! Thanks Joseph! I really appreciate that! I hope you'll consider following my channel! The adventures continue!

[@joesphmurphy4013]

C&T: I subscribed😀

[@chopsticksandtrains]

@@joesphmurphy4013 Thank you!

[@georgewettig1860]

Having been born and raised in Kentucky, I can honestly say that you have found the uncommon wealth of the Commonwealth. Cheers

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for tuning in George! Glad you found the video on here!

[@ourv9603]

Couple of hundred years ago immigrants from the UK moved into those mountains and started farming THEN coal was discovered. The farmers did not want to give up their farms so the coal companies told them they could keep the top 6 inches. Farmers said well hell, thats all we use anyway. So the coal companies moved in and offered better pay than farming so most men went to work in the mines. A lot of strip mining too. But after several decades the coal ran out and the coal companies went home to NYC leaving the miners broke and unemployed. Some, the smart ones moved away to Detroit or Pittsburg and found good paying jobs but a terrible number stayed in the hills waiting for the mines to reopen. Too many waiting on welfare. Even today, still waiting. !

[@kevinkemble3718]

One of the stunning rides we’ve traveled along the way sunny side up multiple times. Made some really special connections in the early mid 2000s to 2012.

[@kristinasurratt168]

I’m a native Kentuckian living in Georgia. I truly believe KY is the most beautiful State in KY. The hills, lakes, rivers, woodlands and pasturelands are all beautiful.

[@patrickmagnum6276]

The government should require Big Corporations to put at least a plant/office/Research Lab/Fulfilment center in these dying towns, to create opportunities.

[@vickieviresrichie7622]

Thankyou for sharing, I've been there back in 07 & 08. My father's birthplace he grew up in those mountains, beautiful country. ✨❤️‍🔥✨

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Vickie. That's interesting, about your father. I would love to get out and really explore the area. I only scratched the surface.

[@vickieviresrichie7622]

​@@chopsticksandtrains , Oh yes that would be lovely . Daddy took us to visit In the holler he lived in when I was 14, a while back . I thoroughly enjoyed watching him as he drove the country roads , he was looking for the water springs that come down the mountains, sure enough he found it , we stopped he got out and washed his face in the spring as trickled down the mountain , he couldn't wait for us to drink of the fountain ❤️‍🔥 I'll never forget that memory it's so precious , & the water was so pure & crisp it was cold like it was in God's refrigerator 🙌 Such a beautiful memory. Thank you again. I hope you find the springs when you go back , please enjoy it . You have a new subscriber. ✨❤️‍🔥✨🙌

[@chopsticksandtrains]

@@vickieviresrichie7622 That's amazing! What a memory, 'ay? Nothing better than Mother Nature's beauty! Thanks so much for subbing to the channel! Glad to have you here!

[@maggie2759]

I loved your video... greetings from london, England...

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Hey Maggie, always a wonderful feeling to receive comments from friends across the pond! Stay blessed!

[@wanderingweh405]

also some of the wealthiest and most generous people on earth in many ways

[@aleksandarteodorovic5349]

The poorest ???!!!! Have you ever been to Egypt? Downtown LA, Skid-row? Booneville is a modest, clean place and it looks like a pharmacy comparing to India. I guess the nature around Booneville is splendid.

[@Kiki-th1wm]

You're very kind and respectful. I appreciate that.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

🤝 Thanks for the good words!

[@annjames1837]

​@@chopsticksandtrainshow can you know about ky if you live in China

[@quetzalt.v.1093]

Just from looking at you walking tour it actually looks like a nice little to live in, that river is nice thanks fo sharing and shout out from rural Mexico.

[@johnrobbins9928]

Looks like a nice little town. Peaceful, quiet, well kept. I like it !

[@MelsRNRETRO]

Awesome Review of a great town. Those little dinners are best eating in the US. Too bad about the hair cut. If you stay longer and go to the churches the locals will tell you best time to catch the barber.

[@jgdyt]

There was one former Chinese youtuber, no name mentioned, who gave somewhat positive, and I think always respectful comments about China. He returned to the US and started giving very sarcastic and negative comments about rural parts of the U.S. As someone who has lived and continues to live in China but was from near one of the areas in the U.S. said youtuber trashed, I knew he was full of shit, and I lost a lot of respect for him. Sugarcoat China, shitcoat the U.S. That is really disingenuous and cheap. You on the other hand get it. This video was very nice. Thank you.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

I appreciate the good words! Thanks!

[@lindazelepugas1000]

Met some of the nicest people when I did a mission trip when I was a teenager

[@RyanTheLaiEn]

What a trip! Literally and figuratively 😂 - awesome vid keep it up!

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Appreciate you brother! Eager to see your next vid as well!

[@lisaking8187]

I was born and raised in South Eastern Kentucky and I know how people live because we live the same way. like my daddy told me people can only do the best they can do. we may not be rich but we're rich in other way's like love for our families neighbors that help each other. people always come back in these mountains and go to the worst places. you need to go to places like whitesburg, Pikeville, Harlan.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for that wonderful comment, Lisa. I would love to visit those places, and perhaps someday I will! Stay blessed!

[@JohnA-l5g]

Bonneville looks a thousand times cleaner than other parts of the country.

[@marycompogno5665]

Thankyou for the video. I remember my grandmother mentioning the name Booneville when I was growing up. She lived in Carolina when she was growing up with her 3 sisters. Had some interesting stories to tell. They still wore long dresses when she was a girl with bonnets. It was kind of cool. 😊

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for sharing your personal family experience! Very interesting! Glad you enjoyed the video and I hope you'll follow the channel for more upcoming adventures!

[@BrianJonson]

Vance did not grow up in Appalachia. He grew up in SW Ohio, where I live right now. In fact, his hometown is 15 minutes from me. This is NOT Appalachia. Southeast Ohio is the "edge" of Appalachia, but SW Ohio is most definitely not.

[@faithewarren-agee5604]

We now have t-shirts with He Ain't From Here on the front!

[@stephenhyder4659]

I am from Hawkins County, Tennessee, which is not that far from Owsley County. This was a very interesting video. Thank you.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Glad you enjoyed it Stephen. Thanks for dropping a comment!

[@LindaCaudill-cb4ll]

I was raised in two countries I think south of Boonville. In Jackson Breathitt it is a small town too. The town is about two Maybe three blocks. A lot of drugs tho and no work. If they are working in the family owned and mostly families work in the store and I don't fell that's right. We have a lot of people would love to work. Alot of people have to drive about two hrs to Lexington to find a good job. I moved out of the mountains 27 years ago I never go back to many bad memories for me but it's a beautiful little town it has a lot more things like fast food restaurants and gas stations. The restaurant you went into I have eaten there many times they have great country cooking. I love that place to eat. You need to go to Jackson Breathitt Co. You might see more people especially in the morning. Nice video showing Boonville.

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Thanks for sharing your story, it was so interesting to read! Yes, next time I get the chance maybe I’ll try swing down to Jackson Breathitt! Stay blessed!

[@Randy58-zn4ez]

Did you notice that there was no litter and trash on the streets. I live in Indiana and went to basic training in Fort Knox Ky. The state of Kentucky does have some beautiful landscapes. It has a nice feel to it especially when it is raining.

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

We have eaten at that restaurant in Booneville. They have the BEST mushroom/swiss burger I have ever had!

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Yeah, that place was fantastic! Was pleasantly surprised!

[@jamesbowen8960]

I used to go to Booneville with my Grandfather for the stock sales! They were so much fun! Packed with people, it was a hustling, thriving place during the stock sales!

[@fredbigornia1814]

Of course it is a small town it is not necessarily poor, population maybe small but rich in history, less traffic no pollution, rich in nature a peaceful quiet town..💖

[@ericscottstevens]

One concept floated around that Kentucky would be the new greenhouse hub for vegetables and other Hydroponics industries. Instead of shipping in fruits and vegetables all the from California, Kentucky would be the centralized ag version meeting obligations for the eastern seaboard. Flat land probably is sufficient for the plan but it may take decades to implement.

[@kenm4898]

Yeah. Drop by again to open an authentic "chop suey" restaurant. Got to get that first mover advantage Mr Chopsticks. 😂 Nice bluegrass music for the outro. 👍

[@chopsticksandtrains]

Haha, OK, I'll get right on that! Yeah, couldn't make a Kentucky video without throwing some bluegrass music in there!

[@kenm4898]

@@chopsticksandtrains Well thanks for showing us the movie set for FX's Justified.🤣 But I wonder if that town is that depopulated or are the residents that camera shy?🤔

[@chopsticksandtrains]

@@kenm4898LOL