The Oldest Town In Illinois on Halloween Day 2020 - Backroad Trip Thru Eastern Areas of The State

Backroad Trip thru Illinois on Halloween Day 2020

[@dianeadams353]

Gosh, Adam, one of your best days-simple shots of passing trains, trees, old trucks, abandoned downtowns, big root beer mug. Priceless. I love your respect for the simple things in small town America. When you were standing in front of the Paris town sign, I caught a glimpse of a green sign stating it was the hometown of Brett Eldridge, country singer, one of the best new country artists, no gimmicks, true to his roots. Watch his video of “Sunday Drive”, my favorite of all his songs. I think you will love it.

[@Thejwill24]

He even has a song titled "Paris Illinois", which is dedicated to his hometown.

[@happydays2741]

Brett played in Cisne a few years ago on July 4th. Great guy!

[@BrewCityGillz]

There is something calming yet exciting at the same time watching you go from small town to small town. Thanks for giving us a slice of Americana! Loving this series. 👍😀

[@kimberly9129]

I used to live in Illinois ( live in Florida now ) and have been to that huge bank. It is amazing. Shopped in a IGA as a kid too. Wow you brought back so many memories.

[@darreldugan1917]

About an hour from me at Shawnee town! Old Shawneetown was moved because due to the river flooding very frequently and yes it is a beautiful old bank! You can actually see the water marks on the brick and limestone from the floods! I’m up in Marion IL! Southern IL is full of very small towns with beautiful scenery come back anytime!👍🏻👍🏻

[@jamesschock4296]

Dear Adam the Bank in Shawneetown was the most powerful in Illinois shortly before and just after the Civil War. This was due to the river trade and war profiteering which made Shawneetown very wealthy. After the Great Chicago Fire 🔥 of 1871. This bank refused to loan the City of Chicago any money for ghost owner. Bad Karma! Due to excessive flooding the town has become a ghost town.

[@jamesschock4296]

* any money. Bad Karma!

[@kamalismy]

thanks for the info... Malaysia.

[@susanpohlers2638]

Thanks for the added info - that bank structure is amazing! Such a beautiful building to sit vacant.

[@MrJcoupe96]

Wow, that's some awesome info on such an amazing looking building. Thank you for that back story!

[@teddythestockpickingpoodle]

My wifes parents lived in Shawneetown years ago ,she said the flooding destroyed the surrounding structures but the bank was built so well it survived an now looks out of place.

[@corysherman6087]

That roadside concrete structure is a staircase down to a tunnel under the highway for school kids to use. Should’ve been one on both sides. You’re in my backyard in this video Adam!

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Very cool thanks for the information. I was thinking it could have been to a fallout shelter.

[@Amariellah]

really you should of said hello

[@kamalismy]

awesome....thanks.

[@star978]

What a rarity it is to hear kids actually out and about playing and screaming in the streets.

[@mydyisgod]

My thoughts exactly

[@dianetebbe8762]

A nice sound

[@alynsak]

I live near Vandalia Illinois, the former capital. I still have yet to visit the state house. Love seeing your trip.

[@mikemorris3833]

I love these videos. Keep doing the exploring. We get to see what the world really looks like.

[@sandismith4522]

You were in my neck of the woods! Carmi is pronounced with a long I. Car-my. The bank at Shawneetown was so big because that is where all land titles for Illinois Territory were done in the early days. It was a really important part of our state's history. Shame you couldn't stick around longer there is a lot of interesting stuff to see around these parts.

[@maxinewatermaker6162]

The CAR-mee thing cracked me up

[@oldator60]

@@maxinewatermaker6162 This used to be my neck of the woods too, and I laughed at the Car-mee!

[@KMeleana]

That fish mural with the fork and spoon totally reminded me of The Incredible Mr. Limpet

[@HEYMANWITHJAYMAN]

Mikes grill looks rad, Frostop mug sign is awesome. So much neat stuff to see & water towers all over. Rad man, rad! 👍

[@Corgis175]

That old bank was awesome. Still in reasonably good shape.

[@99dsm1]

The structure in Chrisman was a pass through. Prior to the mid 80's when I was a kid you could go in and down the stairs and cross the street underground so the school didnt need a crossing guard. My dad lived in Chrisman for a short time as a kid. When I was around 7 his dad died and we went for the funeral. I happened to ask him what they were and he took me down them.

[@bobbyhand1]

Adam is the only beehive of activity in these small towns! Adam is amazing! I don't know how he does it? Travelling alone across vast distances with only us inside his camera waiting excitedly for the next vlog! Thanks for putting in the time and miles for all of us! I don't know about every one else, but I really miss you when you don't post! Dr. Pepper action! YEAH!

[@brunswicksucks]

I know I miss his vlogs especially during these times.

[@lindamoser6317]

I love watching your travels. I reside in eastern Tennessee but Illinois is my home state so this was enjoyable. Especially driving thru the small towns. Loved those flat plains and corn fields. U haven't lived til u ran thru a cornfield playing or walked around in an apple orchard when they r blossoming. Sweet memories.

[@gregggoss2210]

Thanks for posting 2 days in a row of small town America. I thoroughly enjoy your road trips. Calms me down and makes me feel good. Anticipating the next episode.👍

[@heathertokia5828]

I just love seeing these small towns. That bank is HUUUUUGE! When you got closer and saw the pillars, WOW!

[@MarkyMouse]

That RC Cola was hard to spot. Great eye! I love that we still have cows around in Kissimmee Florida.✨🏰✨

[@eriktred]

Always fantastic seeing you document what made America. These small towns supported all the farms and industry that built the country.

[@pirategirl58]

I love small town charm! That giant root beer was awesome! So much of America's history lies within these small towns and communities. I have a love of visiting each and every one I can. Rest in Peace, Mr. Connery. You've done your duty...sleep well.

[@dottielovett5526]

Frosted is open during the summer

[@carlavision6143]

Adam, love the bank building! Really enjoyed your video. Can't wait till your next video!

[@scottlangdon9403]

Adam I must say I love these road trip video's.

[@steveforsythe9264]

This is the stuff I believe you are famous for. I enjoy watching, I can see lots of places I may never see otherwise!

[@GregsGameRoom]

I’m just amazed how few people are in these towns. Everyone moved to the big cities it seems. I guess we’re all spoiled having so much so easily accessible. Probably good to step back away from it from time to time. Rest in peace Sean Connery, James Bond & Henry Jones Sr. Sleep well...

[@markokino3716]

I noticed the same thing. Maybe it's because I live in California and there's always people walking or driving, no matter what time of day.

[@mrcappyp8410]

It’s a different kind of living for sure,I’m from Equality IL about 10 mins from Junction and in Equality we used to sleep with our doors unlocked we had very small mount of Crimes like someone walking in someone’s house just the little things we would lock our doors for a month then go back unlocking our doors. The good things you could ride a bike all around town not worry about speeding traffic just easy living. The school around Shawnee town and old junction ridgeway Omaha and Equality go to one consolidated school it’s neat stuff

[@SamanthaN92]

Can’t stand big cities. I much rather live in a small populated town 👍 I live in Miami and can’t wait to move!!

[@Richard-oc3vt]

I'm wondering why you didn't seek out the community of Haddonfield , Illinois for Halloween 🎃 !

[@djvgoosekllr]

Southern Illinois used to be major coal mine country. When the mines shut down so did a lot of these towns economies. People left to find work.

[@davidkurvach3993]

Next time you’re around Shawneetown, take a gander at Garden of the Gods. You won’t regret it.

[@thomasjones3258]

Cave in Rock

[@oldator60]

@@thomasjones3258 Shawneetown is a really interesting place. The church I attended in Marion had a fish fry at Cave In Rock every year.

[@UweJMeyer]

Good morning Adam,your vlog is brilliant and these pictures show why things in the USA are as they are.The best is, we hear human noises, but see no people.👍

[@colbyflatt]

When I saw that it said small towns in Illinois on Halloween I Immediately thought Haddonfield

[@bicentenialkid]

Same here, I have been watching the Halloween movies lately.

[@bicentenialkid]

@Giuseppe Shmo same here. I think 3 is interesting for sure. It reminds me a little of the cowboy bebop movie.

[@Travis-iy5xt]

@Giuseppe Shmo Season of the witch is my favorite also. Best atmosphere and music imo.

[@jeffbearden2059]

I am born and raise from Illinois and we have searched for Haddonfield and there is no such town.

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Haddonfield is actually in New Jersey...

[@mikelemmick822]

Thank You for taking us along on the trip! Somehow at the end of these videos you get us back home safe and none the poorer too.

[@sparkydav0]

This video left me shaken, not stirred....RIP Sean Connery 😥Thanks for taking the time to mention the best 007 ever. Loving the small town peacefulness. Happy travels and a safe journey.

[@lindabruce355]

Hey Adam, just had to let you know. Sitting here in lockdown in my wee town in central Scotland, I cant tell you how brilliant the pure escapism and calming pleasure your videos offer. They're wonderful. Keep it up but please keep yourself safe. Lots of love from Scotland

[@contessalouannec8064]

Thank You Adam I will watch you all the way home.

[@rhondaz356]

Lovin' this series, Adam...👏🌞

[@christophermcdonald3596]

Love the road trip videos. the small towns , the water towers and of course even though it wasn't in this video adam talking to the cows , classic the woo

[@angelariggsby6285]

These farmers and country life is the backbone of this great country. God bless.

[@AleAround]

Fascinating stuff ATW.... these back road vlogs offer a much different perspective on current life.

[@martywells3523]

Love these backroad small town videos, very informative, peaceful and soothing! Stay safe!

[@memham]

Thanks for coming into Illinois! Love the small town videos!

[@erica.e.emily1]

Hey Adam, if you’re over in Western KY sometime, take a swing by Columbus Belmont State Park on the east side of the Mississippi River. Gorgeous views and interesting Civil War history. Then, you can head North and go through Cairo, IL. Once a thriving river city that has fallen on hard times. However, you can see how amazing it once was with some remaining buildings and river wall. Some of the mansions remain as well. Try to go through on a weekday so you can visit the library. It’s a treasure and I’d love to see your reaction. 💗 Happy trails!

[@MrJcoupe96]

Honestly man, I love when you take these trips off the beaten path and film small town America. Always makes me wanna grab my family and go on a nice long road trip and see this great country of ours. Keep up the great work as always buddy. Also, having no specific direction I think is was makes these videos so dang awesome too, keep doing you, man. We'll all be here to watch and enjoy!

[@marilynsullivan3260]

When you was in Shawnee Town, you was 20 miles from my hometown of Harrisburg Illinois. I love your videos, thanks Adam you brought back a lot of memories.

[@brendaevans9981]

Enjoyed watching as I'm originally from southern Illinois. My high school played sports against Carmi, pronounced Car-my. Safe travels

[@adcamper92]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who caught that haha

[@mydyisgod]

Was hoping someone would let him know.

[@mattboyd1081]

Right thru my old stomping grounds in East Central Illinois love it. Thanks Adam loving these small town vlogs.

[@johnbacon1854]

Incredible sleepy towns now, must of been a different world in the early 1900s. Lovely tribute to Sean Connery. Sad sad news. The best Bond of the original 40 years, and was in some amazing movies. RIP Sean. Happy travels Adam.

[@bronniehanlon2366]

Really enjoying your travels across the country. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@donnytucker]

That bank is most impressive!

[@hbkim3651]

The bank reminds me of the one Mr. Banks worked in in Mary Poppins. All you need is the bird lady and Jane and Michael running away with the tuppance.

[@confidential719]

mom & pop grocery stores are so cool and a reflection of the community’s history

[@heidikatzer9363]

I wish I would've meet you when you were in Illinois! You were 5 minutes away from our house!!! I hope Illinois was good to you!!

[@grybnyx]

I love that old bank and the incongruity of its size and place. The people of the town must have firmly believed that the fortunes of the town were on the way up, and the that the bank was going to be the cornerstone of a thriving downtown in the near future. Maybe the railroad passed them by, or another river port eclipsed the need for this one. The stories that these small towns hold! Thank you, Adam.

[@janisyoung9682]

Hogdaddys was a very popular place to go. The entire area flooded, including the bank, years ago. A lot of history in Old Shawneetown.

[@Idolmakercat]

That was an amazing old bank.

[@davidgibson9866]

Hey see...the old slave house, garden of the gods and cave in rock....👍🏻 oldest town was asked to loan money to a trading post called Chicago but they said would never amount to anything that far up north 😃 Also “Old Shawneetown” flooded so they moved it to the present location and also was the gateway to the west by river, they made a movie (Disney) with Vess Parker at Cave in rock.

[@wingrider687]

I really like these backroads videos and that you seem to enjoy them and not poke fun at them... great job!

[@sigfan4521]

Okay, Old Shawneetown was the first city in Illinois, it has the distinction of being the only other federally charted town in the US, the first being Washington DC. Old Shawneetown was nearly destroyed by flooding in 1937 and everything was relocated about two miles west (New Shawneetown). The town was larger and had a population of about 1800 in 1910. If you'd ventured south from the bank about 150 yards you'd have seen the actual first bank in Illinois also know as the John Marshall house. Not far from Junction is the old Crenshaw house where slavery existed in Illinois. Slaves were leased from states like Kentucky to work boiling salt water from wells. The history of Shawneetown/ Gallatin County is amazing and vast, too much to mention here. Oh and Abraham Lincoln not only walked the streets of Shawneetown he also owned land and practiced law there. Thanks for stopping in very few people do anymore, Shawneetown was once a lot of fun and a great place to grow up😉

[@gregoryanderson6550]

I visited Old Shawneetown in the late 1970’s and a local man told me that the bank refused a loan to the city of Chicago after the fire that destroyed a large part of the city, the bankers decided not to lend the money to Chicago cause they felt like the city would never make because they weren’t on the Ohio River!

[@ladymacbethofmtensk896]

The old Crenshaw house, Hickory Hill, is also located right next to a town called, of all things, Equality.

[@sigfan4521]

@@ladymacbethofmtensk896 my parents used to take my sister and I there when we were kids. I realize it's fake now but was a pretty cool museum and roadside attraction back then. I see the old owner occasionally, the state is going to let that old house rot to the ground.

[@ladymacbethofmtensk896]

@@sigfan4521 Someone should simply move in. Steal the house via adverse possession.

[@sigfan4521]

@@ladymacbethofmtensk896 funny you mentioned that some people tried that very thing, I don't think it ended well for them. You can't get near that place now without the law showing up with a quickness.

[@rickibowman9810]

My hometown is Harco, Illinois. My Dad grew up in Doris Heights inside Harrisburg. My Mom was from Harco, outside Galicia, Illinois.

[@brianonthego]

*Just dropped by to tell you I appreciate all the traveling you do to bring us all the unseen places on the hyways and byways. Thank you Adam.*

[@iandrew6347]

Amazing video Sir woo love the township you driven in stay safe and god bless you on your travels watching from the uk 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@sarahgreco9282]

Thanks for taking us on the journey!

[@kimymarie596]

As a Canadian, I’m enjoying these Americana videos. Love to have an RV and just travel all your country towns.

[@gailjohnston6102]

Love the scenery and the history of this little town. Really is good old America. The corn back there is the best.

[@sydneyadams4758]

Backroads tour of midwest Ghost Towns, very appropriate for Halloween time of year!

[@bacino49]

Nice drive today...enjoyed it! By the way I grew up in the first permanent settlement in the Illinois, Cahokia, across the Mississippi from St. Louis.

[@beckyyoung725]

Love these road trip vlogs of Adam’s!👍🏻👍🏻❤️

[@Disneymagic24]

wow that old bank building is awesome!

[@aexrv8664]

the towns look so peaceful id love to walk thru some of these places one day or drive thru

[@michaelferrante7211]

Adam, you came to my hometown!!! Paris, Il 😃 I'm so sad, would have loved the opportunity to meet you!! (especially on Halloween in my Michael Myers attire) Big fan my man, keep up the amazing content. Been watching for years ❤

[@tonycowser1843]

Paris, Illinois is where Carl " Alfalfa" Switzer was from.

[@christodd1000]

No one does the back road vlogs like you. Love it! Rip Sean Connery!

[@thewickednetwork7667]

What a way to spend Halloween 🎃 on the back roads of America. Things have changed my friend this year.

[@AH-rl9ev]

The kid at the end waving was Awesome!...😁

[@kevinconaway1727]

Just as well no one has ever tried to pin you to one place, because i think you would loose your mind, it sometimes feels like your constantly on the run, really love your country tours Adam, definitely gets rid of the Cobs lol x

[@vtag1929]

Adam keeping it real... Bring it!!!

[@Retro_AO_1982]

I live just 30 mins from the area you were at! Wish I coulda been around theres a huge haunted cemetery in Danville that's near westville and its deff a creepy spot for Halloween! As well as some other cool retro spots!

[@benhat7801]

These backroad americana roadtrips are the best! That bank is amazing, loved the old signs and shops too.

[@mikey76710]

Love seeing America like this thank you Adam stay safe

[@lorih2924]

Loving this road trip. Small towns are special places in America. Nice ending of the video with a tribute to Sean Connery. Now I know where you and Justin got that quote from as an sign off of the videos. Thank you, Adam for this journey across the country side of our beautiful country.

[@otda3675]

ITS......THE DAILY WOOOOOOOOOO! liking and sharing now 👍

[@LifeInBama]

I love the shots with your rear view mirror. Seeing in front of your car through the window and behind at the same time. I also enjoy the glimpses of life. That church, then the stark trees. An excellent Halloween video.

[@keighters]

I'm so happy to see you on the road again. Hopefully you're visiting places you've always wanted to go. Thank you for taking us along with you! I'm surprised you're not taking the Lincoln Highway back to the west coast. That would go through a lot of smalltown USA. Safe travels!

[@amanaarendall5993]

Really enjoying the scenery and ambiance of this trip. Thanks for showing the signage, deserted down towns and murals. BTW that 'bank' building might be a leftover from a previous civilization. Research Tartaria and Mud Flood for an interesting treat. Thanks for letting me ride along.

[@eclipsemoon2b]

Welcome back to my neck of the woods ! Lol . Sad to hear of Sean Connery passing away . From a young age I had always thought he was immortal. Loved and admired him for his movies, talent and being a true gentleman.

[@michaelrosales2723]

Great video! It's so cool to see other states, cities and town around the U.S. Awesome content.

[@janiceevans]

Beautiful tribute Adam. Keep entertaining this old woman and keep giving me ideas...

[@daronmarkley826]

Adam you have resurrected a new good old Americana vlog you have ventured into a land of old nostalgia showing a plethora of retro goodness and I will say I’ve enjoyed every minute of this vlog and I must say your journey is going well and I hope your having the time of your life and I must say I was so happy to see you do a tribute to the late great Sean Connery and when you ended your vlog by saying that quote go home and sleep well I started crying Adam because I really do miss him and with that thanks so much Adam for an amazing day and with that peace ☮️ love ❤️ and happiness to you Adam and I’ll see you on the next vlog adventure also please be safe out there and keep up the good work on your journey home

[@bradforddillman7671]

The part I rewinded was the IGA. It sure looked defunct but the sign looked current. Love these small town videos of places I will never see. Thanks again!

[@AmeliaBuman]

I appreciate these videos of yours so much. If I haven't said it before, I'm saying it now. Lol

[@stellarkitty1431]

Aww this was awesome! My dad was born in Leroy Illinois..heck don't even know if it still exists but thanks for showing these small towns. For sure this is on my bucket list to visit someday🤗😍😎

[@PureHangout]

Adam lived in Leroy for a time when he was younger. The town’s still standing.

[@bernardpaul441]

Looks like the town has gone "high hat" changing the road signs to "LeRoy."

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

Quite a beautiful trip if i do say so myself thanks for having me along for the ride this is epic so many places there shuttered i wonder if those stores will ever come back maybe one day i hope its so nice of you to do these vlogs everday always grateful to see them and im glad your safe and healthy looking foward to more small town covarge and small shops like hole in the rock that would be neat to see again ypur so awsome and inspiring to me keep up the great work you are admired and loved

[@markreardon3472]

Thanks so much h for these videos. Love seeing the smaller towns, like a look back through history. 👍👍 Two Thumbz On another note the angled concrete that you showed unsure of what it was, probably stairs leading down to a fallout shelter from the 40s n 50s cold war era.

[@anitarattonetti1209]

The concrete stairs led to a tunnel under the highway and another concrete stairs on the other side. Built so school kids could cross safely. Highway 1 used to be a main and busy road in that area.

[@markreardon3472]

@@anitarattonetti1209 Yes, we have the same down here in Oklahoma in places. Also used for fallout shelters.

[@debdobbins8359]

I lived in Old Shawneetown for years. Raised there, then moved to IN Nothing left in town but tavern

[@cheresewalker5844]

Love these small town videos thanks for the memories

[@Tortomus]

This type of content is what I like most

[@johnniebgoode]

The oldest town in Illinois and then that 4 wheel vehicle comes down the road, I started singing, "Ev'ry body cut loose...I'm turning loose...footloose!" LOL!!!!!!!

[@tlyons15]

Thanks for sharing! Always love seeing small towns. Makes me miss my hometown back in little ol Preston, Idaho.

[@MudFlap62]

So great to see you back in the heart of America where you belong.

[@Merely]

What a trip! I kept repeating, "That's weird!" Thanks for a different view of Illinois.

[@JUDYDAK]

Love these video's. Your doing the travel most of us wish we could do now! Thank you!

[@connieoliver7369]

Enjoying your trek across country, Rather sad how these small towns ,that I'm sure were quite a hub for the people who lived in these towns , Thanks for sharing

[@WestCoast_Responding]

Hey Adam I love your videos. All the adventures you go on all over gods green earth. I love the trains new and old and the fire stations and fire trucks are great. Thanks for always making great content