TOPEKA: Just HOW BAD Is It? What We Saw In The Kansas Capital City

We visited Topeka, capital of the Sunflower State, Kansas.
Travel Vlog 168

[@iwebman1]

I grew up in Topeka, and have vivid memories of the 1966 tornado that tore half the dome off of that Capitol building. I recently learned the secret of those 100 year-old wood framed houses you are admiring. Kansas always had few trees - so no lumber or other convenient building materials. The original pioneers (including my great-grandparents) built their first houses out of sod. When it came time to put up more substantial structures, they literally ordered them from Sears Roebuck. Sears had an operation near Chicago that collected lumber from other parts of the country, assembled them into complete Craftsman home kits that included everything you needed to construct one of those houses. The kit was packaged onto a boxcar and shipped to Topeka by rail. This strikes me as a brilliant solution, since without a complete kit you would inevitably forget minor pieces - and in 1920 it was long, long way to home depot. This explains why you'll see houses a few blocks apart with identical floor plans.

[@joycelebaron2582]

Oh that's right, I forgot about the Sears Roebuck kits but had heard of them. Logical because I wasn't even thinking that Kansas doesn't have many trees and presto, beautiful wooden houses!

[@richardfortner1251]

@@joycelebaron2582 The Eastern third of Kansas does have many trees/forested areas, all natural. The Western two thirds not so much, thus sod homes. The Western two thirds had to resort to what was available. The main reason a greater population of the state lives in the Eastern third.

[@joycelebaron2582]

@@richardfortner1251 Oh, that's right, too now that I think about it. Thanks.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Great comment. Thank you.

[@toupac3195]

I live in Andover, KS. I raise you one tornado. And I call. 🤪

[@anothersunflowergirl]

The man in the mural is John Brown, a nationally prominent abolitionist during the years leading up to the Civil War. He was hanged in 1859 after a failed attempt to incite a slave insurrection at Harper's Ferry. Kansas was a free state and being anti-slavery is an important part of the state's founding and history. The murals throughout the state capital were painted by John Steuart Curry beginning in 1937 and depict a variety of moments of Kansas' history as well as notable aspects of the state. They're beautiful.

[@chadtiemeyer2175]

I'm not sure I agree with the word insurrection in your comment. Slave revolt or uprising feels more appropriate.

[@deadbeat-vc9kg]

@@chadtiemeyer2175 Depends on what side you are on. If you stand with the people, it was a revolutionary act. If you sold out to be a government agent, you will see it as an insurrection. John Brown should have been given a medal, not hanged.

[@Dulcimerea]

@@deadbeat-vc9kg Thank you. For more, read "A Plea for Captain John Brown" by Henry David Thoreau.

[@dreaziemobbins]

the raid at harper's ferry was to steal weapons from the armory, not to incite the insurrection, but those are the big brushstrokes

[@amyshehi4731]

I love the John Brown mural. The band Kansas put it on an album cover I think.

[@squirming_squirrels]

Topeka is a really strange city. It truly depends on what block you're on - literally one block will be large, beautiful renovated century homes, and the next block over it can be bad - like abandoned and burned-out houses bad. It's a very diverse city, both in terms of ethnicity as well as social class.

[@cyberus1438]

We need to get money flowing into the working class of the city if we want to fix that particular issue. As it is there are way too many House flippers and landlords running around

[@cfgyvr6321]

@@cyberus1438 sadly that is not going to happen any time soon. $100 BILLION just sent to Ukrain with both parties supporting it but never ever any money for Americans or society as a whole. Flint still has polluted water. Don't expect any money injections into the Topeka economy any time soon. War in foreign countries takes presidents

[@cyberus1438]

@@cfgyvr6321 that isn’t how that works, and is a trivial dollar amount compared to general budgetary matters that before you say it do not work in the same galaxy as household finances, and is actually netting a net long term benefit to national security by not only changing the international stage but also updating the national arsenal. Not to mention how wealth flows within the country is largely a policy in economics issue. All of which is a long way to say that regurgitating taglines of issues you have no comprehension of serves nothing let alone domestic policy.

[@cfgyvr6321]

@@cyberus1438 I don't know what you are talking about. America has $100 BILLION at the snap of a finger for a war they pretend they aren't even fighting in yet there is no money for a living wage, medicare for all, student debt relief, free tuition, high speed rail service, fix homelesnes, etc. If it is something for the American people the Government can't afford it. If it's money for the millitary it's an open cheque book. That is why city's like Topeka are going down hill with high crime rates. Can you imagine if the Federal Government gave $1 BILLION to 100 city's the good it would do for Americans? They will never do it. America is a failed state

[@cynthiaziegler6558]

Yes, my area is a quiet older neighborhood a few blocks over not so much

[@heathersatterlee1970]

I'm a Topekan now and have lived here my whole life. I'm 53 years old. Overall I'd say I really like living here. We have a lot of crime, however if your a normal everyday law abiding citizen you don't get mixed up in all that nonsense. Be in at a decent hour, lock your doors, and I recommend cameras on your house as to deter any foul play. That I think is the best anyone can do these days. I know Topeka high is a very beautiful school, I graduated from there in 1988. The Bell Tower is beautiful, heck the whole school is beautiful, 3 floors. I hope that you enjoyed being in Topeka. Thank you all for the positive feedback of our town.

[@PaulPavloPablo]

I was thinking about moving there but now I'm not so sure since you said there's a lot of crime. i don't want to be in fear of my life while living there.

[@youngviolist]

There's also the Seaman District!

[@MsSkipperkim]

Or Shawnee Heights. Nobody wanted to go to THS when I was in high school.

[@Lisa-pl6gv]

Hoy hoy mighty Troy. Class of 1980. ✌️

[@Lisa-pl6gv]

​@@PaulPavloPabloNo worries. It's no worse than any other city of its size. I love living here and I feel safe.

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

Thanks for the great video. A few years ago, I was in Topeka for a week filming at the BNSF yard. On my downtime, my wife and I drove around the town. It was Halloween and we stumbled upon the Potwin neighborhood. It was absolutely amazing. We have not had a chance to get back but we did enjoy our time there. I was very pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was and how much we enjoyed it.

[@sandramayes8679]

I live in Topeka, and last year was the first time I went trick or treating with my grandkids in Potwin! I was amazed how beautiful it was! So many people having so much fun. Can't wait to again this year!

[@chuckhaggard1584]

I live on the edge of Potwin. It’s a beautiful area.

[@kylecrossley2773]

i live by lake Shawnee in Topeka . People complain about every city. The lake is really nice and quiet..

[@ladylove2310]

I grew up and live in Topeka. Thank you for covering our city with respect. Hope you visit us again. ❤️

[@EmberRain666]

It's crazy that I've lived here my entire life and didn't know about half of the things covered in this video! It's nice to see more of my town, I've never had much chance to go exploring.

[@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677]

I'm sorry

[@estelleadamski308]

After he was in the Civil War my great-grandpa became a homesteader in western KS.While most homesteads were NOT successful my ancestors was, and in 1922, the state sent someone around from the Historical Society to interview all the original homesteaders to document their stories. That's how I found out about him, for some reason I Googled his name, and it was right there on my computer! So i am proud of him, as part of a important part of American history. I was born in Goessel, but, raised in CA. I have never been to Topeka, so I enjoyed this, tkns!

[@joycelebaron2582]

So interesting! I'd love to hear your great grandpa's story. Is that where he homesteaded, Goessel?

[@anderander5662]

That "giant" was John Brown.... I can't believe you didn't know who that was

[@estelleadamski308]

@@anderander5662 Of course, I knew it was John Brown on the mural. When did I say anything about him at all? You must have me confused w/someone else.

[@krausearchery8749]

Never been to Topeka well Topeka sucks there's nothing to do here they're 50 years behind Denver

[@QueenTaco24]

The fact I know where Goessel is makes me feel cool 😂😂 I had friends I met through FFA that lived in Goessel so I would go there and hang out with them when I could. It wasn’t a horrible drive from Great Bend.

[@wanderingnomad6142]

So nice to reminisce. Spent my college years in Kansas and have only fond memories of the area, terrain, and people. Very underrated state like so many "fly over" states in the eyes of elitists along the east and west coasts. Nice video, Spoda.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I'll take these towns in Kansas over California or New York any day.

[@bobdroll6381]

May we know where you live now?

[@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677]

@@bobdroll6381 only if we can have your date of birth, mother's maiden name, last 4 of your SSN, name of your first pet, address, marital status, employers name, and credit card number.

[@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677]

@@bobdroll6381 jk by the way

[@rachealcoleman5662]

I discovered your page just a few days ago when this video regarding Topeka popped up on my KZbin feed. I've lived in Topeka all of my adult life and it was great seeing someone explore my neighborhood (capital area) and give their perspective as an outsider. It's really great to see my neighborhood and so many others from an outsider's perspective because you are able to recognize the diversity and beauty that we so often take for granted because we see it on a daily basis. I've watched many of your videos now and I appreciate the fact that you don't go to the touristy areas and explore more of the heart of cities. You've got a new subscriber who is living for every moment of your explorations across the country! Amazing channel! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your wife And I can't wait to see what your next adventure brings!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool! I'm glad you're here, Racheal!

[@raywilk8119]

The reason there is asphalt over the brick is the cost of maintaining a brick street is so much higher. (25:15) Inside the capitol, the elevator is operated by a person, that’s why there is a chair inside and it was not in operation. The capitol was remodeled a few years ago and the new main entry was added. What you thought was a dungeon was the basement and was used as storage before. Some of the things stored needed to be secured. Fun fact, the capitol was built in 3 phases. The east wing was built first, then the west wing. This left the space in the middle (under the dome now) empty. A wooden tunnel connected the east wing (Senate chamber) to the west wing (House chamber). This was nick named the Tunnel of Wind. Once the dome was completed the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate could see each other when the chamber doors were open. This was so both chambers could start their session at exactly the same time. They laser checked both desk and they were only a quarter inch off of being perfectly level! And if you didn’t notice, the arches in the hallways are different in each wing. One side has squared arches and the other has curved. Why? The time of construction was so long between phases that there were different State Architect in charge for each phase. Great video!

[@masontillman6856]

This video has actually helped me appreciate the city that I have lived in my entire life.

[@richardfortner1251]

I have been enjoying your videos for a few months. I went to Topeka High School, loved every minute. Just a point of fact, Topeka High School was the most expensive educational building built in the USA to that time (1932, I think). One thing you missed in the video/tour was the mast of the USS Constitution at the East entrance of the school; it serves as the school flagpole. There is also memorial to passed military at Constitution Plaza. I wish you could have gone to the Evel Knievel Museum, it is great; I grew up just a few blocks away. Also, years ago, you could take stairs to the top of the dome of the capital building; my Mom took us there every summer. The mural that you were fascinated by was the rendition by John Curry Stuart depicting John Brown, outrage of slavery and the conflict in Kansas between slavery and anti-slavery. Thank you so much for the video of my hometown.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That's the most amazing HS I've ever seen. :)

[@JamesBond-uz2dm]

The USS Constitution is in Boston, the oldest commissioned US warship. It has all its masts from what I can see. They must have donated a mast to that school and replaced it. A Topeka/ Boston connection few people know.

[@karladenton5034]

@@JamesBond-uz2dm Yes, the one there now is actually the second decommissioned mast that has been donated to THS.

[@Sample-Text.]

A friend in ROTC that goes to THS told me that they bought/asked for the mast fand then the dude that asked for it make it illegal for other schools to have a mast flagpole lol

[@karladenton5034]

@@Sample-Text. wouldn't surprise me any. There's a huge high school rivalry in this town and THS is very proud and protective of the historic legacy. (full disclosure - I'm an alum, as is my son.)

[@KM-kl8xu]

It's just nice to see that someone has something nice to say about my Kansas state! Love your positive comments!👍God bless!

[@Lisa-pl6gv]

Thanks for coming to visit my town! I love it here. There's so much history in Topeka.

[@trevorlane8123]

Topeka born and raised! Thanks for this awesome video showcasing our unique city.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We really loved it there. :)

[@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677]

I'm sorry

[@joeblow42064]

You guys did an EXCELLENT job of portraying our city. It really is a casual burg. Hope y'all enjoyed and return someday. Thanks!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Joe!

[@DougE93]

Really great video. I chuckled a little bit though as you were driving through one of the worst neighborhoods in the city, saying how beautiful it was lol. Over there by Topeka High School is a pretty bad area that has a lot of shootings. I lived over there for about a year. It's sad because the architecture is cool and the brick roads. But yeah you don't want to go walking around there at night.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Really? I would have never guessed it. It looks beautiful. That said, I have driven through the worst slums in Memphis, New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore, Shreveport and Jackson. This area is not near as bad as those places.

[@kathy9363]

Grew up in topeka. Definitely would not run out if gas in that area. The old archetecture is beautiful but a high crime & drug area.

[@PCBill0622]

Lot’s of well-deserved comments. I’m a graduate of THS. We would gather every flag day around the mast of the USS Constitution “Old Ironsides”. Just to the north, facing 8th, is Grace Episcopal Cathedral. It was built to that Kansas dignitaries could have proper state funerals. The old gas station was on 10th I believe and it was a Phillips 66. I was in the first integrated class at Central Park Elementary and my 2nd grade teacher was black-a lovely, God fearing women. Oh by the way we prayed in school in those days as well. Back over on 8th, a couple of blocks east of the Cathedral was the old governor’s mansion. My father was a KBI agent and body guard for three Kansas Governors. Washburn University is actually about 2 miles from THS. Our home was near there and destroyed in the 1966 tornado. Topeka is also home of the general offices of the BNSF Railroad, the large white building with the microwave tower in your drone footage. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (the SF in BNSF) is the largest private employer in Topeka. The old Santa Fe office building are now state offices across from the capital. Speaking of Atchison, Emilia Earhart was a native of …….Dick Cameron was a DJ at WREN and went on to become a United Airlines pilot. He retired as a DC-10 captain.Thanks again.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Great comment. Thank you.

[@englishatheart]

Lots* Sorry, couldn't help myself. 😛

[@vernonsheldon-witter1225]

The mural you saw in the Capitol was the Coming Storm, painted by John Stuart Curry. My grandfather's cousin, in 1937. Curry was the great Kansas Regionalist, along with Thomas Hart Benton from Missouri and Grant Wood from Iowa formed the Midwest Regionalist School. The "Giant" is John Brown, The Kansas abolitionist who was hanged at Harpers Ferry, VA, on December 2, 1859, and led to the active beginning of the Civil War. This is the most famous of all artwork in the State. It shows John Brown with a Bible in one hand and a rifle in the other. The Tornado represents the Civil War. Kansas was an abolitionist state, and this portrays Bleeding Kansas, the first conflict of the Civil War fought between the slave state of Missouri and the Free State of Kansas. This was made famous in modern pop culture as the cover for the group Kansas's first hit album. He painted all the murals on the main floor of the Capitol, in the antechamber of the House and Senate. BTW, Amelia Earhart was born and raised in Atchison, Kansas.

[@ANDRSNS]

I enjoy every single one of your videos so much! Your tone of voice is calm and relaxing. And the mood of curious exploration is so inspiring. Thanks a lot for your content!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you, Andrew!

[@texaswunderkind]

My great aunt was a nun who taught science in Topeka for many years. I always found the city to be run down and depressing. It didn't matter if it was in 1980 or 2010. Always run down and depressing.

[@bunnyben5607]

Kansas is just a naturally depressing state no matter where you go. We take great pride in how depressing our towns can be.

[@MsSkipperkim]

I think that all depends where you live like any city.

[@LJones69]

Yes, several cities in Kansas have Native American names. Especially in the Northeast part of Kansas. Topeka is definitely the tale of two cities where the downtown is pretty cool looking and then some of the residential areas get pretty sketchy. And of course there are some really nice areas! But the best part of Kansas from a money perspective is Overland Park, Lenexa and Olathe - but yes Topeka has usually had a higher crime rate for one reason or another…Yes, my daughter is a Senior at Washburn University! She picked it over both K-State and University of Kansas. Great video!

[@MsSkipperkim]

Too true about JoCo. I lived in Olathe for 30 years. I now live in OP. School taxes here are killers.

[@JordanDavisEurovision]

As a Topeka native loved the deep dive. Fun to see a place I’m so familiar with through someone else’s eyes!

[@michaelsteele4587]

I believe a few of those homes like the one shown at the 12:19 mark are those kit homes Sears and a few other companies sold. Most large cities across the country have entire neighborhoods with these, once you familiarize yourself with the typical design of those homes, you'll be able to point them out...even when they've had extensive remodeling over the years. One main feature most of these have is a random door on the side of the house, the door is usually located in the same exact spot on these homes. I believe these side doors usually lead up into the kitchen and are also where the basement stairs are usually at.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting.

[@---bu6eg]

Hey Joe and Nick, videos like these are extremely important for several reasons, and I wanted to highlight a few as a measure of appreciation, as well as for commenting and engaging: I am prepping for a job interview in Topeka, probably around mid August early September. I have only driven through Kansas a couple times, And never had the pleasure/opportunity of being able to really visit it as I would have liked to. Being able to see drone footage of the downtown, and video footage of the neighborhoods that aren’t just stock photos on Zillow or trying to Rome, around by myself on Google earth is huge for allowing me to somewhat make a decision before I receive an opportunity to appear before the hiring managers and HR department. Thank you for taking the time to put something like this together because it’s really helpful and I’m positive that there are others in my position who will more than likely be using your videos to make educated decision on where they may end up in order to provide for their families. I wish you and yours well!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome! :)

[@marymeissner4664]

Just keep in mind. Much more to these cities, they don't have the time. It's a beautiful place

[@quintonalexander7777]

So fun fact that you missed with Topeka High School is that it was the first school on the west side of the Mississippi River that cost one million dollars to build. The architecture inside and out is beautiful. Also, just on the east side of the school is a flag mast that belongs to the USS Constitution "Old Ironsides".

[@treytonservantez9730]

I can confirm this as a student

[@joebone3151]

Same

[@mcbrides1]

Some of the leftover brick built a house on my street. Love Topeka High School!

[@danibabyx]

West is best 🎉

[@holoholohaolenokaoi2299]

@15:36 education taken seriously.

[@johaines2214]

I do love your videos. Being a geography major (at one time) I appreciate how you present the facts and show us the towns and neighborhoods.

[@debradevine3949]

Wow loved Topeka! Thank you so much in sharing this video.

[@Caligula785]

My father painted the inside of the Capitol. I still have a little vile of the 24k gold paint they used. Miss him everyday. Great video.

[@MsSkipperkim]

When was that?

[@Caligula785]

@@MsSkipperkim geez I would of only been 10 or 11 back then. I couldn't tell you the exact year.

[@MsSkipperkim]

So more recently than when I was young.

[@christybell0325]

My husband told me about the video you posted of southern Kansas and Oklahoma. And we just came across this video. I am from Topeka and go there several times a year to visit family. And it was really nice telling my husband about the downtown area and how we used to look at Christmas lights and all the pretty store fronts. I appreciate the virtual tour. It was nice watching it. I’m going to research that cool abandon building that you came across. I’m not quite sure where that’s at but my dad would probably know. The iron rail is my favorite place to eat by the way love their food and their beer.

[@lauralawrence4146]

It was the ice house I believe

[@bthomson]

So good to know where the largest wren is located! Thank you for solving that pressing problem! 😍

[@summerz8867]

Yes💫🪶🐣

[@richardfortner1251]

That Wren used to be mounted on the roof of the radio station. Just two blocks from the church we went to in the 60 and 70's. I think it would be at 10th and Clay Ave. I could drive there today with no problem, lol!

[@kevinhothan7328]

My life started in Topeka in 1957. It was a great place to grow up. I enjoy going back for family visits. Great Video keep them up

[@joycelebaron2582]

I'm so glad you liked Topeka! I drove through there on I-70 many years ago and wanted to stop but didn't have time so thanks! I always thought, driving through, that despite St. Louis' moniker of "Gateway to the West" that Topeka was really the gateway. I've always wondered where the biggest wren in the world was, so now I know. Couldn't have done it without you! 😃 But seriously, interesting to hear about Charles Curtis. He was the VP for Hoover (Thanks Google!) Surprising we haven't heard more about him on the news, as there is a Native American Congresswoman from Kansas now, and I think a newly appointed Secretary of the Interior. I had no idea as far back as 1929 there was a Native American VP. I wonder if, like Providence, some of those beautiful turn-of-the-century mansions were divided into low-income apartments. Beautiful neighborhood though. I love a big front yard and a wide street. Thanks for the tour of the State House. I thought your wife had already gotten all her passport State Houses stamped on your first trip around. My bad. (I was planning on getting some work done and having this on in the background but ended up stopping and just watching. I find these so interesting, thanks!

[@jerrysullivan8424]

My guess is why we do not hear much about VP Curtis is, He was under Hoover. Hoover was not well-liked and blamed for the great depression.

[@joycelebaron2582]

@@jerrysullivan8424 Right.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for this, Joyce. :)

[@richardfortner1251]

The Curtis home is just a couple of blocks from the capital building. It is/was very impressive, I will have to check it out the next time I get to Topeka. The home in the 60, 70, 80's had been converted to an Independent Insurance agency. I know this because my agent was there, it sits at the corner of 11th and Topeka Blvd, NE corner. My fascination with Topeka history has always fascinated me, I'm weird I guess. My wife who is also from Topeka is astounded when I take a drive through and point out points of interest. I think growing up in central part of Topeka, I was fascinated with the history, where as she grew up just North of town.

[@joycelebaron2582]

@@richardfortner1251 It's interesting! According to the map, there's a Charles Curtis House Museum there now (temporarily closed). It looks beautiful. I think it's great that you've taken a great interest in the history of your home town.

[@barflyu8]

Thanks for sharing this. Topeka is on my list to visit. My folks were born in that area in 1920. Mom from Topeka and Dad from Soldier Kansas which is just outside of Topeka. Thanks again.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

LOL!.

[@isaiahwindle5348]

did they go to seaman? I'm a current student there

[@messkeymoment3361]

Hey! Topeka High School Alumni and Washburn Student here! Topeka High School was the first Million dollar school West of the Mississippi as well! The school is also incredibly diverse, as you get just about everything. There were around 1700 students and staff total. Gage Park is also a great place to visit. Bit of a shame you didn’t visit Washburn Campus since it is a very pretty campus as well! But overall, was happily surprised by your unbiased view on the city! Was a fun watch

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Messkey. THS was unbelievably beautiful. :)

[@crocsanddocs]

I'm also a student at WU, this video was surreal as someone who was born and raised in Topeka

[@jeebock2061]

Hey, i know you lol

[@dragonmeddler2152]

My home town, but I moved away in the mid 1980s, chasing that better job with more pay, etc. Never thought I'd miss the place so much. Topeka was a wonderful place for a childhood to flourish.

[@mattks1001]

Topeka while translated that way for modern usage, doesn’t specifically mean potato as we think of, as the natives didn’t have the potato that we think of, it’s really referring to wild “potato” roots that grew along the rivers. It would likely be unrecognizable to us today.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting. Thank you for the clarification.

[@drivingphoenix3019]

As a college student I made the drive from Denver to Kansas City and back many times. Kansas is a state with many hidden gems, Topeka being one of them. I even stayed overnight in Topeka several times and had a chance to explore the city during the day. I really liked the art deco performing arts center. Also, those two story craftsman houses with the front porches are examples of homes that you just don't see being built anymore. I know that for most people Kansas is a fly-over state but if you have the chance take some time to drive through it. You won't be disappointed. Thanks for the video Lord Spoda.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the great comment!

[@brockcarter8748]

You will definitely be disappointed if you spend time in Topeka stop cappin

[@chrismoody1342]

As a life long Kansas resident I haven’t been to the Capital building since 1961, which was our 100th anniversary of statehood. It was a school field trip and a Santa Fe rail ride from Wichita. As a little grade schooler it was so exciting to ride the train and then see the gargantuan capital building. Wichita has many similar homes surrounding the downtown area. Most of them are from 1880’s into the 1910’s. That was where most of the city leaders and majority of merchants lived. By the 20’s and 30’s the affluent had move on out to the then suburbs. Kansas has never built high rise buildings of any magnitude, everything is just spread out into the open prairie and farmlands. Most the major corporate offices are built closer to the affluent corporate leaders neighborhoods, making it an easy 5-10 minute drive to work for some executives.

[@danconner321]

To any and all who are planning a vacation trip that will some how take you thru The City of Topeka, . Kansas, make sure you take some time to visit The Forbes Airport area. They have a few interesting Museums there concerning old Military Air Craft and other things. It's a great place to visit

[@JonGreene-dg1dl]

I live in Topeka...... You mentioned the incredibly crazy DOUBLE THE NATIONAL CRIME RATE...... The neighborhoods you showed are where much of that crime happens...... You are extraordinarily welcome for the clearing of any confusion someone might have had concerning this issue........

[@jennylynn82173]

How fun is this! I’ve lived in Kansas City for a long time and learned some cool facts about Topeka from your tour through the town! 😊

[@fritzco55]

If you ever come back by, you should try to stop in on the first Friday's of the month for a First Friday Artwalk. Parts of the city really come alive.

[@lauricomstock9144]

I really loved hearing all the lovely things you said about my hometown. Some of my favorite things in Topeka are the Ted Ensley gardens, Ward Meade, NOTO and Potwin at Christmas. But the true gem is about twenty miles to the east. Lawrence, Ks has so many cool things to see. Allen Fieldhouse, the Eldridge Hotel, and the most vibrant downtown you will ever see.

[@joebone3151]

My grandfather helped start noto

[@joshuabird5116]

My mother in law is a local artist and she painted the wren. Got her photo in the Topeka Capital Journal.

[@jaredblanke2168]

I grew up in a tiny town 30 miles outside Topeka. I remember field trips to the capitol, standing in front of that mural. The abolitionist history of Kansas is something I’ve always taken pride in. Also, Brown vs. Board of Education, the case that started the desegregation of public schools, took place in Topeka. Thanks for stoking up some wonderful, ancient memories.

[@el-Cu9432]

Watershed Supreme Court case, Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka (1954). Seems like a beautiful city. One that I think I'll put on my to visit list.

[@JamesBond-uz2dm]

The lawyer who prevailed for Miss Brown was Thurgood Marshall, who went on to serve on the US Supreme Court.

[@1946luke]

Knowing what we know now, desegregation wasn't such a great idea. But of course, the left wing liberals wouldn't agree.

[@someguy5438]

@@1946luke I'll bet all the good old boys at the clan rally agree.

[@CatgirLinKC]

@@1946luke time to toddle on back to 1946. 😉

[@richardhaney7131]

Never been there, heard alot about it since 1970! First time I have scene it. Good looking place.

[@nathanmoore3814]

Great video, thanks 👍 I live in Topeka and I wish you would have shown the governor's mansion, Shawnee Lake, Shunga park, and the more modern area🙂 The high crime area is east Topeka btw. We also have a zoo at Gage park and a large event center! Thanks for visiting Topeka KS. Please come again! PS. Amelia Earhart is from Atchison Ks.🙂

[@draganpianic1961]

Thanks for this very authentic travel report. I am watching the video from the perspective of a Bosnian, who has never been to the US. I am planning a first trip there and feel like starting right in the Heart of the country, at Kansas State. So far I haven`t decided where to go first, probably either Wichita or Topeka. Your video was really helpful to get a first impression of this city. My concept of travelling is not to follow tourists` trails, but to visit less spectacular places and to encounter ordinary people in their daily life. I already feel close to Kansas and I am looking forward to exploring it soon.

[@thunderbolt2145]

My advice is to avoid Wichita and Topeka. They aren't very pleasant cities. Try Lawrence or Overland Park

[@mlewyn]

I visited Topeka once, and was really surprised at how lifeless the downtown was.

[@donna7084]

Exactly, there's nothing to do there. I hated living there.

[@jaronbalderes7109]

That is changing! The downtown is actually busy nowadays.

[@RicJones-et9jh]

Like where is all the people man

[@mattks1001]

Downtown Topeka is thriving now. Best it’s been in 30+ years.

[@michaelavanduesen]

Living a couple blocks down from it, there is definitely more business than it used to be. But around the capitol building to the east, it seems desolate still when I have to go down there. Then again, it's more industrial so there isn't as many things making it busy.

[@Rbiker666]

Such an interesting time seeing Topeka through someone else eyes

[@45AMT]

Wow! Some really nice neighborhoods there! Love the historic homes they look well kept. Another great video that didn't disappoint. Thanks for sharing your travels with us!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, RR. :)

[@allisondreher7878]

I live in Topeka now almost across the street from the capital. I don’t know that they do it but it would’ve been cool to tour Topeka High School. There’s a lot of history in the building!! The architecture is amazing

[@michaelavanduesen]

I just moved in this area and at first I didn't know there was a high school on western, I just thought it was part of the church. So one day when I was just tootling around, I actually paid attention and was like ohhh. I just never see that much traffic around here so I never thought about a school being around.

[@williamrobinson827]

Amelia Earhart was indeed a native of Kansas, having been born and lived for the first 10 years of her life in Atchison. By the way, I'm eagerly looking forward to your coverage of a few more state capitol cities, Jefferson City, MO and Columbia, SC (both previous hometowns), and Springfield, IL (my current home).

[@buk6708]

i work in nyc and have property in Georgia. Columbia, SC is my favorite city. without a doubt the best downtown. x10 better than Savannah and Charleston.

[@watchdawg1026]

I did not expect to come across this on my fyp, I'm glad someone took the time to review our city

[@angelicavizueth1848]

The house you were talking about at about 7:20 in the video is actually the sober living house my mom lives in and also plays a major part in running and in fact within a like a 4 or 5 block radius of that house there are 2-3 more sober living houses. I was born and raised in Topeka and still live here. I am a Topeka High grad of 22 and I am going to Washburn Tech for my LPN. (I'm obviously not a writer if you couldn't tell lol) Anyways I loved watching your review hope you come back to visit!

[@pitbull808]

I lived in Topeka from '83-87 while I attended Washburn University. I haven't been back since graduating despite always wanting to make a return. Thank you for renewing my interest in revisiting the City. I thoroughly enjoying my years in Topeka. Beautiful city and Washburn was a beautiful campus.

[@zachhodgson4113]

Last thing... BoBo's Dinner on 10th Street is the Best Cheese Burgers I have ever bought. They were even of the Food network they are that good. On Dinners, Dives, I think...

[@timerison]

Don't forget the apple pie... My wife lived right accross the street from Mr. Bobo on James St. Way back in the 60's and 70's.

[@jamesbade4801]

I live in Topeka. Very interesting video. My girlfriend went to Topeka high school. I've yet to go inside but I definitely will, at some point? The Capital building truly IS fascinating. But the stairs up into the dome were a bit taxing? Amazing view though, so it was worth it. 😀

[@gregkerr725]

I once went to my local grocery store to pick-up some Tapioca pudding for my ageing Mother. I got in a register line where the cashier was a real friendly clean cut looking young man...possibly a high school senior's part time job. He was just happily chattering to the customers ahead of me and when it was my turn he said cheerily "getting some Topeka pudding hey!' "actually" I said "it's actually Tapioca pudding". He looked at the package and said "you're right! Wonder where I got Topeka from". I said "maybe the name just reminded you of the city of Topeka". He looked at me kind of puzzled and said "you mean there's a city called Topeka?"..."there is" said I "and in fact it is the capitol of Kansas". His mouth almost fell open and he said...and I kid you not..."Dude, how do you know stuff like that!"....I cringed but responded "Well, when you've been around a while you just sort of pick some things up"......................Our unrivaled education system at work! And heck, I'm only a High School grad myself.

[@wil7228]

That poor kid very little memory or learning rentention , possibly stupid teachers I hope he likes his job he will be there for life.

[@joycelebaron2582]

I could have sworn we had to learn all the state capitals in grade school. I can understand forgetting a couple, but never having heard of them? Sad.

[@TinkerTailor4303]

Thank God, at least you weren't in KS at the time!

[@gregkerr725]

@@TinkerTailor4303 If you are meaning you are glad I wasn't in Kansas talking to a High Schooler there who had never heard of Topeka and that it is his State's Capitol....I agree that would be bad, though I imagine nearly all Kansans have heard of Topeka...but I imagine there are those who don't know which city is their State's Capitol. There are some seriously under educated folks out there!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

What!!? Chimera!!

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

That’s a good question. I would imagine between half a million to a million to build with the same quality materials considering how well built houses were back then. Really enjoyed watching, thank you.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the estimate, CLK. :)

[@tamlaprice6656]

It is/was a beautiful city. Starting to get sprawled out and the newer part getting more west of the city and away from downtown. Its very easy to find your way around though. Unfortunately, the crime has increased exponentially over the past decade and I tend not to go there anymore than I have to. I prefer the country with no neighbors for miles. Was very interesting to watch this video though. You hit all of the hot spots.

[@cynthiaconnors183]

I've always wondered about Topeka! What a beautiful place. The homes are so charming.

[@sukarichristian9039]

Loved this video, thanks for taking us along.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the kind words, Sukari!

[@whtflds]

Thank you for this wonderful video of my home town and I still live here. I am also a graduate of Topeka High School. We all agree that it is a beautiful school! We do have some beautiful and unique neighborhoods. The neighborhood just past the little white and red brick building (old gas station) is called Potwin. The entire neighborhood all put up Christmas lights and decorate. Thank you for being so respectful of Topeka! You have yourself a new sub!!

[@garrystidham2059]

Going to potwin is cherry picking Topeka go see the diversity!!!!

[@Ambersworld720]

If you ever go back to Topeka please go to Northstar Steakhouse it's so much better than iron rail and has sooo much history

[@DrewberTravels]

As a native kansan I stay the heck out of Topeka. I went there once for a family thing as a kid and it was the lamest trip of my life.

[@drakesackrider5005]

Never thought I'd be spotted in the wild brewing and put on the internet. 🙃Good video!!

[@Dev...]

Never know who you'll find in old comment sections either! 🤪

[@elenafrankel623]

You’ve done it again . Show was informative, interesting and entertaining. Love your videos- much appreciated

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Elena!!

[@stupidsquirrel12]

14:56-14:59, that yellow house on the end was the beautiful home I shared with my now ex fiancé during the pandemic. The house was built in 1866 and had new pipes installed. What a burst of emotion when you passed by it. Topeka is not an easy place to live. Incredibly depressing and full of hateful pricks but that house holds a lot of laughter, joy, and tears inside. Also I'm pretty sure it was haunted by a friendly ghost 🤔😭

[@mojoglow]

👻 ❤

[@jackblair8935]

I’ve been following you guys around and am really enjoying lots of these places I haven’t been to…thanks for taking me along, good stuff.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for watching, Jack!

[@traceyparrett7683]

Hello! Time stamp about 17:40, 30 years ago the building on the left used to be an old apartment building that contained 3 apartments over the landlords workshop. My apartment was the one that faced out onto Buchanan. As you can see, the top part that held the apartments has been knocked down, probably due to squatters. This was my first apartment and my oldest son was born while we lived here. Good memories. The place next door was an old Iron Foundry. Im not sure what happened to it nor do I have much info on it.

[@alanmedford1695]

it was an old ice house

[@alyssamiller2925]

Topekan here!! The high school you stopped at is Topeka High School, the first million dollar high school this side of the Mississippi! Also the "giant" you saw on the painting in the Capital building is John Brown, definitely someone you want to learn about! There are so many more sights in Topeka I wish you could have checked out and shown everyone, if you come back this way let me know!

[@jerrysullivan8424]

Topeka Ks also plays a big role in recent Church history, few people know about it. "Tree of Life Fellowship purchased the building at 335 S.W. Jackson Street in downtown Topeka, Kansas in October 2009. This building housed Charles Parham’s Bethel Healing Home and Ministry Center from 1898 through 1900. It was here that he operated his healing rooms, 200-seat chapel, Apostolic Faith Newspaper, city outreach programs, children’s orphanage, and employment agency."

[@evanator166]

Topeka could be argued to be the birth place of the Pentecostal Movement. Charles Parham opened the Bethel Bible School at 17th and Stone Ave. where his students would receive the gift of speaking in tongues.

[@AdAstraOnYafro]

that building was also the "cotton club" of topeka. nationally famous african american jazz musicians would play there either before or after they appeared in kansas city on the weekends. the area was called the bottoms and went to the river on the north and the santa fe shops on the east. most of it was wiped out by the interstate highway, then urban renewal in the 60s. lots of gambling establishments and speak easy's down there.

[@donnawheeler6283]

My hometown since 1976. Nice and interesting video. Thanks for visiting us and posting your video.

[@denisesmith2745]

WOW!! You did such a wonderful job showing my home state Capitol!! Thank you for saying all the lovely, kind things about Topeka. Indeed.. Amelia Earhart is from Kansas. Also. Thank you for pointing out that Wichita is the aviation capitol of the world . There used to be a famous old hotel called the Jayhawker. Mom and Dad had their wedding night there. My twin and I went to several sorority and fraternity formals there. I wonder if it’s what you saw. You never disappoint! I can’t wait to see where the next town in Kansas is. Since you said it’s near the middle, I probably know it!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the kind words, Denise. We really like Topeka. It's always a pleasure to visit a city with a beautiful, vibrant downtown with beautiful neighborhoods surrounding it. So many cities in this country are not like that.

[@TheHuscarl101]

The Native American on the top of the capitol dome is called “ad astra” it means “to the stars” from the state motto “ad astra per aspera” meaning “to the stars through struggles”. It was designed by Richard Bergen Sr. In Salina, Ks. It’s a nice bronze piece, but by the time I told him about the inaccuracies of the piece it was already in the very expensive cast building phase so no changes were made.

[@gusramirez5647]

I was raised and still live in Topeka. I went to Topeka High and Washburn University. Topeka High is a beautiful building in and out, and I am very lucky to have attended it. The mural with the "giant" is a mural of John Brown the abolitionist. A controversial figure, but a kansas legend nonetheless. If you visit Topeka again, I would recommend The Blind Tiger for dinner. It has some cool history pieces in it, and is referential to the prohibition past of the US, and finally I think its probably the best restaurant in town. Safe travels.

[@pickleddolphinmeatwithhors677]

I'm sorry

[@shirleyjonson2508]

Hi my name is Jessica johnson my big brother lives in Kansas Topeka for years I'm 33 and his 48 thanks for sharing this town😄😀👍

[@crypticspunk9166]

I'm 20 yrs old and graduated from Shawnee Heights. As of recently, lots of crime has erupted within down town/central Topeka, the most prominent cases being burglary, aggravated assault, and drug stings. It's only really nice if you live in a safe, suburban/rural housing area. Everywhere else is like trying not to step on a land mine 😭 That being said, a lot of rich history especially in nature. Just wish our economy were a bit more sustainable to make downtown neighborhoods safer for folks.

[@29moonlite91]

I live in kansas now, and I dont know if the town survived covid, but there's this little town called The Dalles (pronounced like dolls) Oregon. They had this charm bracelet scavenger hunt. You bought the bracelet somewhere in town then you go around to different shops and landmarks in the town and get the different charms. We managed to find it by accident when our transmission overheated and we lost an outer wall on our 5th wheel.

[@ChristineSteinkuehler]

Nice video. It is neat that you found Hughes Conoco. Mr Hughes was a bit of a local legend. He sponsored and coached in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He also was one of the first African Americans to operate a station selling gas supplied by a major petroleum company.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome! Thank you for the extra info, Christine. :)

[@BurakkuHishou]

As someone who spends a majority of their time in topeka working, your primary streets are either Wanamaker on the west side, Topeka Boulevard on the east side, and then Gage or Fairlawn as the cross streets.

[@lordlord9797]

Gage and fairlawn also go north n south might fool some saying it's a cross street

[@barbiescreamhouse]

Also I went to that high school and the inside will blow your mind. They give tours too, you could've literally just called em and set something up

[@michellesarkinen4050]

I just wanted to tell you that I really love your videos I watch them every day and I tell people at my work about them how great they are you are a very cool person great job on your videos I'm going to keep watching them and telling people about them thank you for making great videos

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Michelle! :)

[@brianwesley28]

Topeka was never considered for becoming a location for the large skyscraper construction because of a law stating that no building in Topeka can be taller than the state capital building.

[@meggison4674]

I've lived here my whole life and never knew that!

[@brianwesley28]

@@meggison4674 It may be a myth, actually, but there haven't been any buildings approved being taller than it is.

[@mattks1001]

@@brianwesley28it’s not a myth. The City of Topeka has an ordinance/law that no building can be taller then the Capitol building.

[@eagleplume7447]

Dad grew up here in the great depression, he was a great man

[@darrensteuber4994]

I live in Topeka. You missed the fact that the performing arts center is named after Georgia Neese Gray. She was the 1st woman to serve as US treasurer. My Mom was friends with her. She was a very nice lady. Topeka High was the 1st million dollar HS built West of the Mississippi river. Topeka is a good place to live. It's close to Kansas City, about an hour away.

[@gulayguthre9939]

Abilene is one of the most beautiful laid-back cities in Texas if you're looking to move to Texas that would be the place to go thank you for showing this again

[@kaycoffman5798]

A lot of mom and pop shops closed when the larger businesses moved in, unfortunately. I wish the city, or state would offer zero taxes on all small businesses making less than 3,000,000 a year.

[@tonyvaldes8352]

At least one knows when a hurricane will strike in Florida...Not the case with tornadoes which can hit anywhere,anytime.😧

[@bthomson]

This is one of my very favorite videos of yours!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you RR!

[@bthomson]

So many of us find your videos to be just what we have needed! Light hearted but educational and informing! Many of us are fast fans!🍀🍺🗺🎯

[@AbbyNormal007]

Kind of an odd headline (Just HOW BAD Is It?) considering the generally very positive review in this video of my hometown. When I was in high school I was a janitor at Monroe Elementary School (11:10), which is now the Brown V. Board of Education museum. Swept out the entire second floor each school afternoon, 2 hours p/day @$1.30 per hour (1969-70). Wish the viewers could have seen more of Topeka High School both inside and out. Along with the capitol building, it is the gem of the city. Also, Washburn University is really lovely and there are other places that are really nice. The city has the same population as when I left 45 years ago. All the same, nice visit to a place with fond memories for me.

[@lyndavise971]

The picture of the the big man with wild eyes and hair represents John Brown the abolitionist.

[@bthomson]

Yes! I thought the same.

[@samanthashoelover7649]

All those homes have basements too. Most were built in 1920s and wood is petrified making renovation horrible. You could buy a block of houses in some neighborhoods for what one cost in Texas.

[@christopherwood2796]

As a Kansas native I have always considered Topeka an absolute hole.

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Where I'm from in Ohio, a good portion of the older parts of the city were paved with red brick. They covered them with asphalt because the cost of replacing the brick was far more than asphalt. It actually preserved the bricks from the weather and road salt.

[@Kayleefromkansas]

Thank you for being so kind about Topeka!! It’s a really wonderful city that gets a bad rep.

[@Mach11976]

See those nice wide sidewalks, I put all the cable for the internet in Topeka underneath those sidewalks talk about a job! We were there for several months doing the job, and we had to of course do a lot of digging and we ran into all kinds of old structures bottles all kinds of stuff. The people there were very tolerant of our blocked roads and everything else so thank you Topeka!