LOUISIANA: Mysterious, Rarely Seen Towns Deep In Vampire Country

[@johngibson7001]

Why is it called vampire country? ive never heard that before... and love your vids Joe. always informative and entertaining! keep up the good work!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It's tongue in cheek, referencing the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries novels as well as the "True Blood" HBO series. They take place in the fictional Louisiana town of Bon Temps, which is near Shreveport (which these real towns are also near).

[@Beardfamily247]

​@JoeandNicsRoadTrip oh wow that's cool never heard of that lol but I don't watch TV alot if it isn't the Saints!

[@subcitizen2012]

Not sure if or how it might relate to Anne Rice and interview w a vampire, although that took place partly in New Orleans.

[@IanCrouse]

Louisiana is the setting for many Vampire novels. Anne Rice, the renowned novelist, lives in New Orleans. My Blood Thorne series takes place in Thibodaux and New Orleans. South Louisiana has tons of supernatural lore.

[@lisalarouge6309]

Louisiana is just plain spooky. All that voodoo makes it seem like satan resides there.

[@auntmaryspals7978]

I appreciate people like you that take the time to film and put out these type of video. I'm retired and simply can't afford to travel, so watching your trips is a happy substitute. I love your voice by the way, very pleasant.

[@zoidmo3388]

Me too. Their channel is my therapeutic entertainment place to go. I learn so much.🥰

[@raymondfox4469]

I totally agree. Well said.

[@snowysnowyriver]

Same here! My travelling days are long behind me, so I really appreciate people like Joe and Nic who take us shut-ins along with them.

[@raymondfox4469]

here! here!

[@brendaowens2466]

That is so true..

[@rangers7259]

As a Brit, I find these videos of small town America absolutely fascinating… love your channel..👏👏🇬🇧🇺🇸👍

[@TOCC50]

Living in the 1800’s was probably the best time to be alive

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@rollitupmars]

@@TOCC50No it wasn’t not for us white Americans and especially not for black Americans or natives.

[@mqb5151]

Same here, from UK

[@TOCC50]

@@rollitupmars I’m not worried about them

[@chopperbillintexas5854]

That field with the oil equipment is full of what are called "pump jacks", which pump oil out of oil wells. Oil rigs are the tall towers used to drill/rework the wells. My Dad was an independent oil driller all his life, so I was immersed in the lingo. Great episode!

[@monicalynn7187]

Thank you for explaining that to us. I was about to annoy my husband and ask him what they were, but then I saw your comment. 😊

[@steveokula5762]

Aren't they also known as oil derricks?

[@chopperbillintexas5854]

@@steveokula5762 Yes they are! To be precise, the oil rig is the actual equipment within the derrick that “works” the well. The derrick is the tower. Very good! You pass!!! :-)

[@jakedeutscher]

From Alberta Canada here. We have so many oil wells in this province. Derricks and pump jacks everywhere. I work on abandoned oil wells sampling the soil for contaminants

[@evelynzlon9492]

Oil rigs in vampire country? There's real vampires you know. One of them was my great-great-great grandpa. He was a European head of state but now he's an obscure but respected recording artist. One of his videos has video game-like graphics and it shows soldiers invading an oil field. And one of his alter ego Saint Germain's haunts was Louisiana.

[@JL-vq1gl]

Kentucky here. I tell ya: it makes me sad to see how very alike we are. Too many towns with no means to support their people. Too many people forced to move from towns where everyone looks out for each other to cities where no one gives a damn and will treat us like trash if we commit the sin of actually sounding like we come from the places we call home by people who never take the time to go there and see what they're missing and what they lost by living in a city. It's heartbreaking. So much lost and thrown away 😢

[@jeffhaynes8848]

Amen Jl

[@jeffhaynes8848]

You're so right jL❤

[@BertieWooster13]

It’s almost like a president in the 80s did away with all manner of regulations. Allowing companies to centralize and move to Mexico and China. Then the narrative was grow up and move. Be a nuclear family which means no community. Capitalism is destroying us.

[@hemigoleo]

Louisiana is not alike, and people don’t do that last part, and I live in Louisiana.

[@hemigoleo]

also, I had a stroke reading that, you said towns don’t care of their people but then said people have to move from towns which do give a damn to cities who don’t, and no. Louisiana just have bad roads or whatever but that’s part of it (Monroe) or other cities, Ruston and other towns are more well contained.

[@Lost_Again_]

The first town was precious. I love the sense of pride that is just so evident in this town. All the public spaces and private homes were so well attended. Poor doesn’t mean trashy ❤

[@brucemoore463]

I was born and raised in Vivian,Louisiana and left in 1982! The town was a thriving town back then in the 1960’s 70’s and very good place to raise a family! I finished high school there and my job with the railroad took me to other places! After my parents passed away I never go back up there! It started going down hill in the 2000’s -2010 when my parents were still living there! When my parents generation passed on ,the town wasn’t as good as it used to be! Most of my generation left for better jobs and opportunities!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Yep. Your story is what's happening to these towns. The kids are growing up and leaving, and the parents and grandparents that stay there are slowly dying off. You see it all over the country.

[@Bareknuckles182]

After Reagan signed the OPEC agreement, he put hundreds of small towns from Louisiana to Kansas outta work overnight. Now our heritage is dying.

[@pkerit308]

I knew a Bruce Moore from that area. 45 rider

[@brucemoore463]

@ not me !

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

I actually drove down that highway about ten years ago from Texarkana to Shreveport and had to stop for gas. Pull up to a gas pump at an ole convenience store that still had the rolling numbers instead of the digital numbers. I yelled over to my daughter and told her to check it out. She’d had never seen one and chuckled. ( The land that time has forgotten. )

[@tysonsmartialarts]

There are still quite a few of what I call ‘primitive’ gas stations with the rolling numbers that are still operating in Louisiana.

[@Jaci0607]

There's a gas station like that in a town called Cotton Valley, LA. Confused the hell out of me because I didn't think something like that still existed. This was back in 2010.

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

It’s pretty wild. I miss them days where you could fill up a tank for less than ten dollars. Not only that you could stop on exactly on the dollar amount. As I said my youngest daughter had never seen one before and was quite amazed.

[@hendribrown7650]

I worked on Fort Polk, traveled from New Orleans maybe 5 years ago. They still have those.

[@genevagatts7219]

If Joe Biden gets back in office we’ll all be living on less ,unless we are in the elite class.

[@jacquesvillien7624]

Lol. I work at that hospital in Vivian. I've been watching you on and off the pass few weeks/months. Crazy coincidence. @ 20:00, I can see- someone is in my spot as I had the day off. If you ever come back to the area- I'll treat y'all to lunch. Cheers!

[@ZMS777]

.......an invitation back to the lair......😮

[@malcolmr3]

To lunch or as lunch? 😂

[@virginiawilkinson5038]

You never know in Louisiana.. Boo!❤

[@mysteriesuntold3393]

I would love to come there I'm watching now and looking to invest in a rental property in that area

[@sdkelly1957]

I’m from that area. Born and raised there on Cross Bayou, Greenwood La. Live in NH now. Been up and down those very roads. That one stretch of road between Oil City and Vivian (La1) was Caddo Lake. The Parish you were in is Caddo Parish. Named for the Caddo Indians who lived there and had a reservation there where the Lake is now. Reservation sunk and all parished Thanks for the ride down memory lane. 😎

[@kdearsan]

Funny you mention Caddo Lake. I just watched a movie on HBO titled Caddo Lake!

[@yhanminimalist972]

Watching from the Philippines. I like the peacefulness of living outside the busy main cities. If you have good neighbors and friends, that place is a good place to live.

[@hamcp3]

Great to see these places. My mother grew up in Oil City and was married in the Methodist church you passed. While oil still flowed, the place was quite a bit more prosperous. We enjoyed many a summer vacation visiting my grandparents there. Thanks for the tour back in time!

[@suzanne296]

You know nothing wrong with living in these areas. Life is so hectic in a big city. Watching and enjoying.

[@Woketard]

Well, folks need to stop encouraging city dwellers to flee their cities...

[@rppope1006]

​@@Woketardit seems the nWo doesn't agree with you because your comment is shadow banned. In other words it's actually the rich folk who realized they don't want all their peasants to live near them because they know they are coming for their heads now. They want everyone out in no where so they can have the cities back. Make no mistake dem politians know they ruined the greatest cities in America, they are surprised themselves that Americans have not strung them up by the light poles 😂

[@davidroberson8030]

Man you can say that again it's better to be in a small town or out in the toolies like I am.

[@DD-ws6cu]

A lot of crime and poverty in these areas. There’s a reason people flee rural areas like these even though they are cheap.

[@bextar6365]

The majority of monthly income in these towns is from tax payers ...handed out by the Govt. @@DD-ws6cu

[@grumpypicker]

Have you ever done a video just talking about weird or unusual interactions you’ve had with people in the towns you visit? I’d love to hear the stories!

[@nozzledrich]

He might want to forget about those interactions

[@Stoneygreat]

I bet he rarely ever get out of the vehicle🤣

[@nozzledrich]

@@Stoneygreat If he knows whats good for him he should stay in the vehicle, some of those Dem. run places are sketchy at best

[@Stoneygreat]

@@nozzledrich I know well.

[@jameschisala1482]

Are all the people indoors in these towns

[@JenniferLee-yu1be]

Fantastic Video !! I'm from Haughton, LA and am very familiar with the towns you're covering. Just a fun fact about Vivian, LA - right down the road from the Walmart you pulled thru, is a grocery store and that's where the movie, The Mist was filmed.

[@phoenixrising6245]

From rural UK, on the Essex/Suffolk border, just discovered this channel and am never likely to visit these places, so found your video fascinating!

[@cdeschrevel5341]

In a world full of annoying youtubers, Joe and Nic are the oasis of the good stuff! A perfect blend of information, humor and in general a down to earth vibe which is so unique nowadays. Keep up the good work!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you!

[@raymondfox4469]

I totally agree.

[@peternyc]

The median household income number of $22K/year is much closer to what most Americans experience than what the media/government tells us. The working class of this country have had their incomes and wealth "sucked" out of them by the rentier portion of the capitalist class - those who extract wealth from collecting land rents and financial rents. Fantastic that you include this data in your video.

[@Maxine1630]

Well said!!!!

[@larrydegeorge386]

They purposely don’t get married to live off of the Government handouts. Not too hard to figure out

[@marinoutjenoutje7241]

Europe is following you…

[@Bigdaddyleroy2big]

working class isn't making $22k/year. small towns like this that average $22k/year are made up of people mostly living off the government, utilizing socialist arrangements not taking advantage of capitalism opportunities.

[@tammybroussard5104]

You are exactly right and if you happen to own / have a mortgage on your normal size house or less taxes are sucked out of you at the end of the year. It is not easy in any way

[@mineplow1000]

I adore the prowling of back roads to discover such things as what you show here. It's a combination of sad beauty and stark depression that haunts these places in a way that you can't describe unless you see it first hand. Thank you, Sir.

[@vajraloka1]

All these places could have manufacturing shops and factories, but the manufacturing got sent to Asia and South America. So probably most on disability, social security, or welfare.

[@Witchfoot.Incorporated]

I’m searching for a small town to move to the outskirts of, in an old house. Watching your content is so helpful

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Check out these Mississippi towns - very low cost of living, low crime, all the services you need. You might like them for what you're looking for. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoDEf6WAfdqGgK8

[@kdmccrite]

I'm an armchair traveler, so I really enjoy your videos. I wish that, along with the statistics,dollar stores, and cats, you could show and/or comment on the libraries in these little towns -- if they have them. Thank you. You're doing a great job!

[@ernestjohnson9564]

In Louisiana, most towns have bookmobiles (libraries on wheels) that comes from the parish seats. These rolling libraries have been around since the 1960's. Each parish (counties to you) has it's own state funded library systems.

[@amyflanagan2896]

I know Plain Dealing has a very nice library with a very good librarian. It is part of the Bossier Parish library system. I spent my summers and afternoons in that library reading everything I could get my hands on.

[@ernestjohnson9564]

Plain Dealing was large enough (in the past, not sure about now) to get funding for a small library through Bossier Parish. A small town near me has dropped in population so much they closed the branch library a few years back and now use bookmobiles. @@amyflanagan2896

[@lynny5510]

My husband was stationed at Ft. Polk LA in 1987. Our daughter was born there and we lived there until 1993. There was something different about LA. Some of it was very desolate but very spiritual and mystical as well. Before we moved onto post we lived in DeRidder and there was a older woman that lived next door to us who had lived there all her life. She was a descendant of slaves and she practiced voo doo. It was kind of scary but she was the nicest kindest woman I had ever met. She so many interesting stories to tell!!

[@use2bmrs828]

I’m from lake Charles, LA born & raised. I’m familiar with the cities you mentioned.

[@Brwneydgrl69]

My birth mother is from DeRidder Louisiana. And my grandfather worked at Ft. Polk as a cook.

[@lynny5510]

@@Brwneydgrl69 My son who is 38 now lived and worked in Lake Charles and while he was there he went back to Deridder and the house where we lived in is now gone and a police station is built there LOL. Everything had changed. All the houses are gone on the street where we lived. We lived on Stewart St. Maybe you are familiar with that.

[@lynny5510]

@@use2bmrs828 My son who is now 38 lived and worked in Lake Charles for several years. It's a small world.

[@sunjourney3723]

Do you happen to know the old woman's name and if she's still alive?

[@jd7089]

This town of Vivian,La brings back sad memories when I drove from New Orleans to Vivian in 2018 or 2019 (4 hour drive) to a good friend’s funeral. It’s a beautiful small town, but poverty is really evident.

[@PamIAmChronicles]

Native Houstonian here, living up in Missouri these days. My family is from deep east Texas and these backroads really look like home to me. Thanks

[@NecrOphelia747]

One of the coolest videos I’ve ever seen honestly. Just exactly what I was looking for!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome, thank you!

[@gatorgogo2742]

That house for sale in Vivian is part of a package of 9 rental properties. The assessment value of that house in $15,877. 2br, 1 bath 903 sq. ft. I read every True Bood book and even went to New Orleans to meet the author at a book signing. She is cute as a bug and so much fun! Thanks, Joe. Be careful in Cancun. About 30 years ago a friend and I got caught in a civil uprising on the way back to the airport and were held at gunpoint by teens wielding aks! We weren't held long and made our plane. LOL Just another adventure for 2 old ladies! Keep the videos rolling! 💙

[@flexiblestrategist9922]

$15.000?? You couldn't get a detached garage that fits one car for that up here in NJ!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting.

[@TD_YT066]

My property taxes per year are more than that in Austin TX for a 1500ft^2 3Br2Ba built in '64.

[@cnb1243]

@@flexiblestrategist9922 15k in New Jersey gets you absolutely nothing. Rent here for a 2 bedroom is about 2200 a month smh

[@Ninjanimegamer]

Our taxes cost more than that on our 3 bed/2 bath 1800sq/ft home that sits on less than half an acre in CT. CT's medium household income last year ('23) was $92K. What a difference. I'm thinking if people who want to buy a house, but can't afford it, buy these homes and work from home, there would be life brought back to these small towns.

[@teciagreen7718]

I happened upon this channel this week and so glad I did. JOe's voice is like a smooth radio announcer! I can work and listen along. Keep up the great work!

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

I enjoyed seeing these small towns. Despite the poverty, it’s great to see remnants of the past in Oil City and Vivian. I like the displays. I appreciate learning so much about this area of Louisiana! Thank you!

[@Rocdag]

What I like best about your videos is the comments and stories that people post. You could write a book about each one. The encyclopedia of lost towns.

[@petucker548]

Some of those abandoned oil rigs aren’t really abandoned. After it becomes economically unfeasible to have them pumping, you will often find a local person who will tap them for their last bit of oil. They put a small gasoline powered pump down the hole and let it run and suck up the oil until they fill a barrel. Usually they come by once a day to make sure that the gas pump still has enough gasoline to run. Depending on the price of oil, you can make a decent living doing this.

[@katherinekrawczyk9431]

103 Georgia st is no longer on the market. These areas are so sad. I bet they're simple friendly people. I grew up in poor neighborhoods and my memories of the people are friendly people. All though I grew up the first ten years of my life in Cedartown Ga. My memories are sweet. I went back to Cedartown and didn't recognize the place it has built up so much. Areas like these towns in Louisiana send me imagining what they looked like back in the day when the town was new. Another awesome video. Look forward to your next adventure. You guys stay safe. God bless.

[@stevedavis6879]

Always fascinated by these towns in the states. I'm in the uk and there is also a lot of places like this in the north of england.

[@stevedavis6879]

Are you not local to these communities anymore?

[@janinee6733]

First thing I noticed was how neat and clean the streets are in nearly any town/village, nearly no garbage and no graffiti. Interesting.

[@angelcitystudio]

No... All the trash is pile up in people's yards. Graffiti just indicates.... BLACK.... Not scary dude. Being a single mom, making less than 15K a year with no way out, ever, is something that would concern me more than graffiti. Racing to the bottom and proud of it!

[@JJJBRICE]

Everytime Lord Spoda mentions A House Is Returning To Nature it reminds me of the house my grandfather lived in for many years in Eden NC . Every visit I make to that town the old house continues to return to nature more and more . If these old houses could talk and tell their past it would be amazing .

[@n.speezly1467]

Lotta houses like that in Ahoskie NC too, it’s sad but kind of beautiful at the same time

[@corinneloomis3634]

Just ran across your channel recently. Been watching every night. Just fascinating. I love the history and seeing how folks all over the country live.

[@Kathrynyoder-x2j]

That house you found for sale was just listed not long after you filmed this video for the price of 25,000. It is a cute 2 bedroom 1 bath built in 1950.

[@frwystr]

wonder how much more it would be ti fix it up

[@Kathrynyoder-x2j]

Good question, ​@@frwystr I would like to know that as well.

[@Rockermom59]

That house sold for $30,600 a couple days ago. Wow... Just wow. Love your videos.

[@JimBEATTIE-os1jk]

There are many areas mostly near the ocean where are two bedroom one bath house would sell for over a million dollars

[@zoidmo3388]

This vid had some of my fav things to see /hear in small towns. A caboose, vintage style bridge, lovely church bells, regular sized homes although sad evidence if poverty. No Norman Rockwell downtown but hey!!! they have a Country Club! LOL . Awesome vid Joe. Thank You so much. 🥰

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!!!

[@jjarm]

Just want to say that I’ve been watching (bingeing?!) several of these drive arounds in rural America and the things I really like is how consistent they are and also how you Don’t make it about yourself. Well done. You did 2 towns where I had lived in the past. Very surprised that the children’s poverty level %ages are so high in some of these back water towns. Chilling.

[@1951Roy]

Your Dad or grand dad was a Roustabout. Roustabouts work at oil fields and off-shore rigs on a variety of tasks to keep the oil flowing and operations safe. They assemble and disassemble pipes, pumps, and engines; load and unload trucks; search out leaks and repair equipment.

[@JimBEATTIE-os1jk]

I think roustabouts are also called Roughnecks

[@zolialtheabrowne7438]

Thanks!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@nancydolan7581]

Thank you for the tour! Being a curious creature, I looked up the house at 301 Georgia (in Vivian). As of today, 7/3/24, it is listed for $29,000 and still for sale. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and was built in 1950. Now we know. :)

[@babet504]

Thank you! We are actually interested in moving to Vivian, Louisiana.

[@catlover614]

A great video, as always, and so interesting. These old country towns are endlessly fascinating. It's funny that we are watching a video about Vampire Country, a few days after Halloween !! Good timing ! Thanks very much, Joe and Nic, I always enjoy your videos !🥰

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Right! :)

[@IanCrouse]

I am from Thibodaux, deep south Louisiana, but my Aunt and Uncle lived in Hosston after he retired from the Airforce in the '70s. We spent many days fishing that shallow bridge near Caddo Lake. Brought back many memories... I wish you went into Hosston. But I'm sure it's gone.

[@antonboldsword3770]

I know a girl that was a Hoss from the people that Hosston is named for. Well, she's in her late 40's now and lives in DeRidder, but her people went not far away to outside of Magnolia, Arkansas.

[@janefinley-english1051]

Piggly Wiggly reminds me of “Driving Miss Daisy”! I didn’t know they still existed. Great video. ♥️✌🏽

[@keithgordon4153]

There is a PW on Athens, TX and throughout East TX.

[@keithgordon4153]

I love PW. The one in Athens has a cool butcher.

[@nobiedupree5916]

We have them in Central Mississippi. Actually 3 of them in my area.

[@jamesdavy8343]

As a person from Ireland I absolutely love these shows.over here in Ireland you would only ever see large towns but these shows of small towns are just great

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks, James! We're going to visit Ireland sometime this year. Nicole and I both have Irish ancestors. Really looking forward to it!

[@thx-wp2yp]

Just a bit of info. When a church shuts down, unless in cases of emergency, natural disaster, etc. Typically, every pastor, priest, deacon or whoever knows the rule is when the church no longer meets the first thing you do is take down the sign. The rule of thumb is, if the sign is still up, the church is still meeting. Of course you can find exceptions for one reason or another. Alot of the catholic churches here in NE Louisiana only meet once a month (or high holidays, etc.) depending on the circut of the available priests. There are more "catholics" than there are priests. Louisiana is the only state divided into parishes rather than counties because of the church's influence in the beginning of the state.

[@Steve-ow4jt]

Another amazing video. Seeing all the oil pumps there is a small taste of what we see everyday here in Oklahoma. Especially the town I live in, Cushing, which is labeled the pipeline crossroads of the world having a tank farm for every major oil producer. It wouldn't be so bad if all the abandoned sites weren't left behind to become eyesores. Will watch for the next wonderful video. Until then stay safe and God bless. Steve in Oklahoma

[@rikspector]

Here's a few thumbnails of these towns,. What is Oil City LA known for? The town is situated on the banks of Caddo Lake, a massive freshwater reservoir that is popular with anglers and families looking for a weekend getaway. As its name implies, Oil City was a boom town for the oil and gas industries in the early 20th century. Vivian is home to friendly people who simply want to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle. Our mild climate allows us to have many year-round activities. Among the activities are the Louisiana Redbud festival held the 3rd Saturday of March, the Black History Parade held the 3rd weekend in February, and the Annual Christmas Festival held the 1st Saturday of December every year in downtown Vivian. There are also excellent public and private facilities throughout the area for golfing, tennis, swimming, and boating. Hunters and fishermen will find plenty of land and waterways for their outdoor activities. Caddo Lake, Black Bayou, and the Red River are the center points of outdoor activities. Vivian was incorporated in 1898 as people moved from the former Caddo Lake port of Monterey and the surrounding lakes and woodlands to be near the railroad terminal built in the late 1800’s. Through its 121 year history, Vivian has witnessed the booms and busts of the oil business and been a local center for commerce, transportation, education, health care and manufacturing. With Caddo Lake, Black Bayou, and the Red River, and numerous large tracts of forest surrounding the Town, it is no wonder that pre-dawn weekend traffic may be busier than the more typical rush hours in larger areas, especially on opening days of deer and duck season. Newcomers are welcomed to a friendly, safe, small town atmosphere with affordable real estate, attractive neighborhoods, and good schools. It is a great place to work and raise a family, or retire and enjoy the numerous recreational opportunities. Plain Dealing: Prior to 1839, the United States government forcibly removed the Caddo Nation of Native Americans-longtime local inhabitants who had first settled the area over 1,000 years before Europeans' 16th-century arrival in mainland North America-from the area of Northern Louisiana that included the parcel that would later become the town of Plain Dealing.[4] In 1839, George Oglethorpe Gilmer and his son, James Blair Gilmer, bought 5,000 acres of this land-now described as a "vast, unsettled wilderness"-from the United States government, calling a portion of this acreage "Plain Dealing" after the family's Virginia plantation.[4][5] The "Plain Dealing" name became official when the town was formally chartered on April 24, 1890.[4]

[@Mark-z7r8y]

That was a great job you did explaining that areas history, you connected all the dots!!!!! GREAT JOB & I FOR ONE APPRECIATE YOUR SYNOPSIS!!!!!

[@rikspector]

@@Mark-z7r8y thanks lts good to add some extra info Because even dying towns have Great pasts to share

[@rikspector]

@@Mark-z7r8y You are very welcome , sometimes it’s hard for the people making these vlogs to add details, but these small dying towns deserve a. Look at their pasts.

[@bunnyman6321]

Interesting stuff

[@rikspector]

@@bunnyman6321 Thank you They don’t always have time to Fill out the comments, so sometimes I add stuff. I usually keep them short But these towns had a lot to offer.😊

[@wilmaflagstaff2434]

Those machines are derricks AKA grasshoppers. And those tanks you saw are called knock-out tanks. it's where the oil goes and is held and processed before it goes to the big companies to end up in your tank and so forth. And I really love traveling with you.

[@_barnac]

I love your louisiana videos so much theyre my favorite. I drove through it and mississippi last year and loved it so much

[@ianbanner9292]

Viewing from England , I am rather surprised when you go through the poorer towns , that there is so little gardening /horticulture visible . Given the spacious lots and what is clearly forest soil , ideal conditions .

[@FugueSt4te]

If burgers and junk food came straight out of the ground, a lot of them would be gardening

[@tedzehnder961]

The people there are too lazy to plant a garden.Keep your eyes peeled for SAT dishes on ramshackled houses or in the yards.Some of it is due to lacking a decent education. There is government assistance and some public housing if people are truly disabled.Not having a two parent household (20% marriage rate) doesn`t bode well for a balanced upbringing.Not saying this is definitive but it doesn`t help if they don`t know who is there daddy.

[@nikolaslarson6891]

No hedges, no bushes, no flowers...

[@FabriceLEQUEUX]

NO I LA FRANCE NO ENGLAND

[@00loudog]

Yes everyone is too lazy to do that now but not too long ago a lot of people did everyone is usually in drugs or overweight the just push junk food to everyone now

[@deadlysquirrel5560]

I lived in Vivian in the early 1980's. I was told that the Walmart was one of the first ones built, maybe that's why it is smaller than usual.

[@CajunYoda]

Stayed at Caddo Lake State Park last year and went to Vivian for “supplies” and was shocked to see an old school Wal Mart. Such a nostalgic feel with the same layout of all the Wal-Mart stores I remember as a kid.

[@lisamoncrieff5512]

Hey guys! Another great video as always! Looked up the house for sale at 301 Georgia Street and it is off the market now as of Sept 17/23 - don't know why as it doesn't indicate that it sold. However, it has been on the market several times in the past, starting in 2008. When is was active though, asking price was $30,000. No inside pics but the house was built in 1950 and has 2 bdrms, 1 bath, 848 square feet and lot is 7,013 sq ft. Thanks for another interesting video xoxo

[@Battleneter]

cheers, I was trying to build the motivation to Google :P

[@ValerieAnnHorn-Ross-mx4cv]

🇬🇧 Also a Brit watching your interesting tour of out the way places in Louisiana ( incidently my daughter is named Louisiana Charlotte!). We in the UK are in a horrible recession at present & food & house prices are astronomical! But at least our wages, at least mine, just about cope I make £45,000pa & although im a professional in the mental care area, im not as well paid as others in my position get paid in the south, London areas. I live in the far North East of Britain. Our local house prices are around £250,000 on average. I bought my house in the 1980s for £30,000 its now worth £385,000! Rediculous! I feel sad that good people in these places with low crime rates, single parents live in such restricted circumstances. So much land attached to properties, they should grow their own vegetables & fruit. It would save money & eke out a staple diet with more variety. Thank you for this look into another world! We need to be grateful for what we have & remember those less fortunate. Peace & Good Cheer 🇬🇧🙋

[@c0ri]

I grew up around that area. One of my first girlfriends was from Oil City. My grandparents had a beautiful home near Plain Dealing. It wasn't run down in those days. I'm shocked to see it now. Sure brings back a lot of memories. We used to play baseball against Plain Dealing and they always had one of the best teams. Thanks for the drive down memory lane.

[@independentthinker8930]

Old seed and feed stores are where I find some really cool old school things.

[@tamaradely7250]

Hello Joe & Nicole hope you are having a Blessed day. The house in Vivian on Georgia St was listed @ 30,000 in Sept 2023 but is no longer on the market.I really enjoy the ride along's and seeing all the site's.

[@jadaazriel796]

The oil pump is called a Derrick

[@Lalunabreeze]

Ty$30, 2147 very cool oil well in action. Enjoyed that thanks tons😊 big school,looked nice.

[@deehoward2351]

Driving through these small towns is nice on the weekends for a day trip. We did this when I was a child. The only thing is , you have to be careful of your speed. Some of these small towns are speed traps( That's how they get revenue.) The people are usually friendly and you see a lot of interesting things.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

You're right!

[@laurarojas8490]

More chance Joe gets fined for curb crawling speeds

[@lisajohnson521]

Even though Vivian is poorer than Oil City, it looks nicer. LOVE this kind of content. New subbie 🤗

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@QueenJLee420]

Love your videos. You're so informative. Thanks for showing us the rest of the US😊

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

You are so welcome!

[@frankharrison2860]

Hi Joe & Nic Thanks again for all the effort you are putting in to those road trips . You have highlighted the good and ever so sad areas of many towns and cities . Detroit was especially a very impressive down town but so depressing on the outskirts . Just wondered Joe , when residents leave these properties and move on , is there any system of recovering monetary value from these properties ,if not how do residents afford to buy homes any where else . Thanks again to you both for all the effort ,so much to enjoy . F & P Yorkshire GB.

[@patriciacoyle3758]

Thanks for these videos. He helps me in viewing area to move to from CALIFORNIA!

[@marthakierstead3415]

Love seeing the oil rigs in action! Always an interesting video with you and Nic !

[@akejonsson2863]

Oil rigs do the drilling and workovers; e.g. the actual drilling and maintenance on the down hole. Pumps jacks are just that, the reciprocating arms of a simple pumping action. Fill up a pitcher of water, and push your fish to the bottom, then withdraw and repeat. That's the action of the pumping mechanisms actuated by a 'grasshopper'.

[@LJJones-yw1rp]

One of my favorite things on KZbin is couples pursuing a common interest. It makes my heart soar to actually see the participants from time to time. Recently, I saw an episode that featured a Creole restaurant and saw a glimpse of Nic...I'm assuming Nicole...you are so lucky. How about sometime we see you too?

[@onrycodger]

I really appreciate the way you research these places as you create your videos. Looking forward to Cancun.👍

[@usmcmos0317]

Thanks for another great informative video. Due to circumstances and illness haven’t been able to watch. And now that’s over at least for a while I see I have some good ones to see especially the upcoming ones in my beloved Texas. Thanks keep traveling I’ll keep watching

[@SajjadKhan-jn7cw]

i love to watch your videos very informative thanks for sharing joe and Nic 👍

[@HankRhule]

Can appreciate this guy. Good morning beautiful day thanks again it says a lot. Can compare today to the rest of the week.

[@ruthgoldbergives6945]

😊Thank you very much 🙏😊 for creating these videos. I am shocked at what I have seen. I can't believe it.😮

[@RichardFelstead1949]

As always, very enjoyable and entertaining. Greetings from Australia.

[@Theywaswrong]

What was shocking was driving through SW Arkansas, then crossing into Louisiana on my way to Shreveport. The highways got MUCH worse (yeah I know some people won't believe it) and the number of abandoned buildings, shacks. It just looked like the State had given up on that corner, much the way Arkansas has given up on their Eastern delta region which is overwhelmingly agricultural now with a vanishing population. Same with SE Missouri.

[@kristenglenn7026]

Oh I’ve been waiting for you to do this area of Louisiana! I feel so pulled to this state & all southern states for some reason

[@DoctrineOfMayhem]

What an interesting video. I really love the old small towns. Greetings from Germany.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@melissameyer9981]

How fun! Im very late in watching this, but again, you know how to show us a town with great narration. Thank you.

[@BonnieJeanTlq]

My dad maintained oil rigs in southern Illinois in the 80s and 90s. I have 2 uncles, one in Texas and one in southern Illinois who drilled oil wells. Also a few uncles and aunts and parents who invested in oil wells that my uncles drilled. Love those old rigs! I think they’re also called derricks. Love your channel. Thanks

[@akejonsson2863]

The derrick is is basically a stationary crane structure. The older standard derricks were built onsite and left their for well servicing purposes. They look cool, but after a few years they are Not Much Fun to work. Nothing like a 50 year old monkey board held on by baling wire and clamps. The more modern portable rigs are brought to the site complete with draw works and derrick and leave after the job is done. Much safer, if anything in the Patch can be called 'Safe'.

[@Hamza-xc9kb]

Dude!! You are the best KZbinr ever!! I never saw so closely those mini Oil rigs in my life.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks 👍

[@catherinealexandrian9927]

small towns like these in Louisiana seem to have high electric bills and bad water systems, also little grocery stores are sometimes the more expensive place to shop.

[@ronkay1573]

Seems like you have first-hand experience with these examples.

[@akejonsson2863]

Weak tax base makes for low quality infrastructure. And of course small stores lack economy of scale. There's a reason that Walmart started in the South. Definitely filled a need

[@Jdb74985]

I'm in SE Louisiana and here across the lake from New Orleans we have the opposite problem these towns in this video have. When we moved here from River Ridge (between Harrahan and Kenner) there was only a caution light at the intersection of Highway 190 and Highway 445. There was an old run down gas station, a small diner with a little area for candy bars etc, another small restaurant called Cooter Brown's (which is still here), a tire shop and a garage. You blinked and you passed it up. Since Katrina ppl been steadily moving up here. Now there's all kinds of places to eat, a grocery store, a Dollar General, a Walmart DC, and massive amounts of subdivisions. We live close to the Tangipahoa River which now floods so easy. In fact in 2016 it flooded twice, both times where i live a good square sized area was closed, you couldn't go in or out for about 3 days. My road got almost 5 ft of water the second flood that year. We stayed and even though we are way off the ground we still got a foot and a half of water that night. I miss the days when no one lived here tbh. Too much traffic stresses me out lol

[@SamarArt5]

Hi

[@TXH1138]

House at 301 W. Georgia is listed 1/9/2024 for $25K. 2 bed, 1 bath 848 sq ft. per Zillow.

[@ivdddoxiemama7275]

Yall have one of the coolest channels!!

[@suzanne296]

I agree. I'm so relaxed before I go to work.

[@SabrinaMoten]

My maternal great grandmother was born in Plain Dealin! When I saw your thumbnail, I hoped you would pick it because of it’s unique name. Thanks for your videos. And if someone hasn’t answered, those are pumping units. I live in oil country in California.

[@juliey5328]

Hi Joe ! Loving your adventures , some of the areas are actually nice . Have you ever encountered any violence while your driving around these areas . Alot of the areas look very sketchy and scary . You are brave . Stay safe ! ❤

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Not yet! :)

[@juliey5328]

Great to hear ! 😊

[@catherineleigh9000]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTripGod watches over is why

[@MalenasBazaArte]

I love your videos, thank you for taking us to places we might never go to!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome, thank you for the kind words! 😀👍

[@Mark-z7r8y]

Grew up in Alexandria La. Now i live in Tacoma Wa and seeing this hurts but i also love what you're doing, Very informative, my wife is in shock seeing this, I've tried telling her about this and she didn't believe me, So thank you Sir soooooo much for doing what you're doing!!¡😊

[@michellec3558]

I just found your channel literally 2 hours ago and I’m so intrigued. New subscriber here 🤍!! I want to travel around the country before I hit my mid 20’s 😭😭

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Nice!

[@michaelstuckey6236]

I was raised in Plain Dealing. Currently living in Oil City. Ive never heard Sportsmans Paradise refered to as Vampire Country.😅

[@michaelhargrove5930]

Except maybe when in Transylvania,Louisiana near Lake Providence in east carrol parrish.🤣

[@daymonwilson]

They're crapping all over us

[@jenniferalmodovar2611]

Love all your videos! Its a hobby now when i want to sit down and relax. I love seeing how other people live all over the country. I had no idea how poor some of these towns are :(

[@TOCC50]

Most of the country is a ghost town now

[@selfimaged]

im from around those parts of LA. Im from Plain Dealing, those spots are really rural. thanks for sharing

[@mikeashcraft4354]

I probably drove by you countless times in 32 years. Installing swab&drill lines on all the rigs drilling,swab and workover

[@selfimaged]

@@mikeashcraft4354 H WHITE RD WAS WERE I WAS BORN, OFF OLD PLAIN DEALING RD

[@julinahoehaver5609]

My grandparents live in Rodessa LA, they live on the land that my grandma grew up on. I spent most of my childhood there. It’s beautiful, my favorite memories! My mom lived in Oklahoma so that’s where I spent the other half of my childhood and where I live today❤my grandma Cherry mccarty, was the radio dj for KNCB radio in Vivian and was miss caddo high in high school. She was a very big part of the redbud festival every year as well as rodeos because she was head of the Kiwanis club.

[@chami6204]

Je suis française et j'apprécie beaucoup de voyager au travers de vos vidéos fort intéressantes. Je m'aperçois, que dans beaucoup d'etats américains, les maisons sont de plus en plus abandonnées notamment à Détroit où les américains ont dû fuirent. Espérons que les prochaines décennies seront meilleures. Bravo pour votre travail. Merci.❤😊

[@drjcox99]

My Mother's family lived in Plain Dealing in the late 1800s and believe some are still in the area. Many buried in the local area

[@Yawndave]

Vampire Country...sounds like a good name for a Goth bluegrass band 🙂 Trivia tidbit: the "oil rigs" have various names including pumpjacks, nodding donkeys, pumping units, horsehead pumps, beam pumps, sucker rod pumps, grasshopper pumps, thirsty birds, and jack pumps. In the oil fields of central California there used to be bunch of painted/decorated pumps that was called the "Iron Zoo". The R.C Baker Museum in Coalinga (worth a visit) used to sell a set of postcards with all the different oil pump creatures.

[@allanduvall7431]

Can't believe his grandpa didn't tell him that😊

[@qadsia17]

I really love your tour and videos thank you sir from kuwait middle east

[@Frank-g9h6d]

I love watching your videos very informative 😊😊😊😊😊

[@jacquelineeubanks5966]

Great video of my home state. Grew up in Winnfiield (about 90 miles south of 'Shreveport.) Left Louisiana in 1978.

[@TEXASLOYAL]

I grew up in Natchitoches parish, went to Goldonna high school

[@jacquelineeubanks5966]

My husband graduated from Calvin High School. I had a few friends from Goldonna. @@TEXASLOYAL

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

My family were from Winnfield. We would pass through after leaving Jonesboro. Sure miss visiting that area.

[@thomasallen3818]

The “oil rig” is called a Pump Jack. They are used to pump oil from the ground after the rig has finished drilling the well.

[@LitaKing-e4h]

I spent most of my life in Louisiana, growing up in the "toe" of the boot. It's a state with lots to offer and the people are the best. Appreciate your perspective and love your videos!

[@RenaBulmer]

Venice?

[@LitaKing-e4h]

@@RenaBulmer Washington parish

[@kevinnkerrystevens8127]

Great video. Really interesting I'm from Australia and really enjoyed watching. Thanks for sharing

[@veganelduderino9392]

I would be so tempted to go see inside these abandoned places...awesome video's , they make my feeling of discovery come back!