I Drove The Desolate Oklahoma Panhandle - This Is What I Saw
video description
My Mom passed in 74 and is buried in Harmon. just west of Vici. along with my Grandparents and Uncles. I can understand the low crime rate. these people were GOOD people. at least when I was there! Salt of the Earth! But even back then if you wanted do any serious shopping you had to go to Woodward. Even more so now!
Date: 2024-01-28
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Comments and reviews: 34
archaicroger
You missed it. You should have kept going instead of turning off to Wheeless and headed to the Black Mesa area. It's said there are 2 cradles of civilization in the Oklahoma Panhandle. You drove along one, Goff Creek, when you left Guymon. The other is the Kenton Hills where human footprints accompany those of the dinosaur. The canyon land surrounding Kenton is spectacular and had you continued you would have started to see the land open up in just a few more miles.
As a construction contractor from Guymon there's no way in hell I'd take my tools and equipment to Guynon because of the thieves. Guymon is also the green card capital of Oklahoma.
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You missed it. You should have kept going instead of turning off to Wheeless and headed to the Black Mesa area. It's said there are 2 cradles of civilization in the Oklahoma Panhandle. You drove along one, Goff Creek, when you left Guymon. The other is the Kenton Hills where human footprints accompany those of the dinosaur. The canyon land surrounding Kenton is spectacular and had you continued you would have started to see the land open up in just a few more miles.
As a construction contractor from Guymon there's no way in hell I'd take my tools and equipment to Guynon because of the thieves. Guymon is also the green card capital of Oklahoma.
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sammyday3341
The Worst Hard Time’ by Timothy Egan describes the hardships suffered by the folks there during the Dust Bowl, particularly Boise City at the far western end of the Panhandle. One interesting thing to see in southwestern OK is the very first shelterbelt’ of trees planted as wind breaks during the CCC and WPA days. It’s been preserved and is still there. Many others were never maintained or they were removed. If in Boise City, stop at the caboose by the courthouse and see the history marker regarding the accidental dropping of practice bombs on the city by the military in the 1940s.
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The Worst Hard Time’ by Timothy Egan describes the hardships suffered by the folks there during the Dust Bowl, particularly Boise City at the far western end of the Panhandle. One interesting thing to see in southwestern OK is the very first shelterbelt’ of trees planted as wind breaks during the CCC and WPA days. It’s been preserved and is still there. Many others were never maintained or they were removed. If in Boise City, stop at the caboose by the courthouse and see the history marker regarding the accidental dropping of practice bombs on the city by the military in the 1940s.
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davemaccarter64
I've driven that road many times. It always occurred to me that a few entities or families own the land in that area. Because agriculture has become so mechanized and getting more so all the time fewer and fewer people are employed by those that own the land. Those that could afford to get out did. Those that either couldn't afford to or didn't want to stayed and suffered. Some things don't change: The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It was interesting to see what things are like there now. Thanks for posting.
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I've driven that road many times. It always occurred to me that a few entities or families own the land in that area. Because agriculture has become so mechanized and getting more so all the time fewer and fewer people are employed by those that own the land. Those that could afford to get out did. Those that either couldn't afford to or didn't want to stayed and suffered. Some things don't change: The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It was interesting to see what things are like there now. Thanks for posting.
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joeblow5037
I could have lived anywhere after I got out of the military with a Secret clearance working on aircaft radar.
I chose NW OKC (county line and Hefner) and the computer trade.
Have been through almost every town in the west of the state. Would always brag I could drive 404 miles and STILL be in Oklahoma (thru the panhandle to ski in colorado or new mexico)
the panhandle is other worldly. haha
no regerts
cost of living is low and the people are friendly
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I could have lived anywhere after I got out of the military with a Secret clearance working on aircaft radar.
I chose NW OKC (county line and Hefner) and the computer trade.
Have been through almost every town in the west of the state. Would always brag I could drive 404 miles and STILL be in Oklahoma (thru the panhandle to ski in colorado or new mexico)
the panhandle is other worldly. haha
no regerts
cost of living is low and the people are friendly
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damneh8688
There's a lot of beauty to rural USA. I am from India which is much more densely populated. Here, you're never really too far from civilisation unless you're in some extreme terrain like the Himalayas, the forest, desert etc. I love seeing empty vast open flat lands like these, full of nothingness as far as you can see. Just a road, empty fields and deserted towns, no people. It's so peaceful to get away from people.
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There's a lot of beauty to rural USA. I am from India which is much more densely populated. Here, you're never really too far from civilisation unless you're in some extreme terrain like the Himalayas, the forest, desert etc. I love seeing empty vast open flat lands like these, full of nothingness as far as you can see. Just a road, empty fields and deserted towns, no people. It's so peaceful to get away from people.
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Joe-mp4ui
Comanche National Grass Lands. Two Buttes. Reservoir up past Lamar. Awesome out there. Alot of super stalking Wierdos. if by yourself be real f. careful and vigilant about where you stop. They'll hide and wait on you. Filmed one yesterday doing that. White dodge avenger. Bottom line I love that flat country out there for some reason but won't spend my pension there. Single out here makes you a target.
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Comanche National Grass Lands. Two Buttes. Reservoir up past Lamar. Awesome out there. Alot of super stalking Wierdos. if by yourself be real f. careful and vigilant about where you stop. They'll hide and wait on you. Filmed one yesterday doing that. White dodge avenger. Bottom line I love that flat country out there for some reason but won't spend my pension there. Single out here makes you a target.
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danzifer
I went to Guymon once. Installed 500 new desks at the college. Walked around town in my downtime and was shocked to see that half of the town was abandoned. Tons of empty buildings that appeared to be from the mid 20th century. Most of the economy there is agricultural, Mexican. Wouldn't really recommend visiting unless you like tumbleweeds, ghost towns and featureless landscapes
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I went to Guymon once. Installed 500 new desks at the college. Walked around town in my downtime and was shocked to see that half of the town was abandoned. Tons of empty buildings that appeared to be from the mid 20th century. Most of the economy there is agricultural, Mexican. Wouldn't really recommend visiting unless you like tumbleweeds, ghost towns and featureless landscapes
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RakeeshJ4
Happy to: ) I’ve been on a mild Oklahoma kick these past weeks, on account of convalescing and remembering a trip my family took there about ten years ago (to Marlowe, OK) for a funeral. Very different but not unpleasant vibe, geographically and climate wise and people wise to central Florida. So I’ve watched a number of these sorts of videos, and yours is at the top.
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Happy to: ) I’ve been on a mild Oklahoma kick these past weeks, on account of convalescing and remembering a trip my family took there about ten years ago (to Marlowe, OK) for a funeral. Very different but not unpleasant vibe, geographically and climate wise and people wise to central Florida. So I’ve watched a number of these sorts of videos, and yours is at the top.
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chuckwilson2301
Welcome to the 5 state high plains area. Born and raised there. Went to college at OPSU 10 miles SW of Guymon. Moved away after college. Was gone 11 years, moved back to SE Colorado in 1999. Live now 50 miles north of Boise City Ok. The reason I am here, it is home. That is what my father said when he returned from
military duty after WW2. Thanks for the video.
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Welcome to the 5 state high plains area. Born and raised there. Went to college at OPSU 10 miles SW of Guymon. Moved away after college. Was gone 11 years, moved back to SE Colorado in 1999. Live now 50 miles north of Boise City Ok. The reason I am here, it is home. That is what my father said when he returned from
military duty after WW2. Thanks for the video.
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nevadasestamibi
Took a detour through the panhandle back in 1983 in move from Portland to Washington DC. I remember a yard in Boise (that's boys--not boysee like in Idaho) City filled with cobalt blue glass blowings and bottles for sale. And Cimarron County is the only county in the US that borders on four different states--TX, KS, NM, and CO.
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Took a detour through the panhandle back in 1983 in move from Portland to Washington DC. I remember a yard in Boise (that's boys--not boysee like in Idaho) City filled with cobalt blue glass blowings and bottles for sale. And Cimarron County is the only county in the US that borders on four different states--TX, KS, NM, and CO.
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olvinyldude
Great little town, Guymon. Make this trip quite often. beautiful ( Sad, much countryside destroyed with the Windmills. we don't even get the power!
BTW. Boise City. ONLY Town in America, Bombed during WWII . ( You drove right by the Memorial when drove around the turn about ( The Red Caboose
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Great little town, Guymon. Make this trip quite often. beautiful ( Sad, much countryside destroyed with the Windmills. we don't even get the power!
BTW. Boise City. ONLY Town in America, Bombed during WWII . ( You drove right by the Memorial when drove around the turn about ( The Red Caboose
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kimmally5970
I grew up in Oklahoma and it is home to me, so I love seeing your videos of these small towns. I can only claim to have been in the Oklahoma panhandle once that I can recall, so this was a real treat to see it. I will continue to watch your videos. I wish I could make these travels myself.
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I grew up in Oklahoma and it is home to me, so I love seeing your videos of these small towns. I can only claim to have been in the Oklahoma panhandle once that I can recall, so this was a real treat to see it. I will continue to watch your videos. I wish I could make these travels myself.
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usa-by-car
Some precious friends that lived in Dumas TX, moved to Guyman Okla in the 70s, he was a pastor and had since passed, my best friend was his son Jimmy Maddox. Haven't seen them for about 45 years. Brought back more memories of my childhood. Thanks
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Some precious friends that lived in Dumas TX, moved to Guyman Okla in the 70s, he was a pastor and had since passed, my best friend was his son Jimmy Maddox. Haven't seen them for about 45 years. Brought back more memories of my childhood. Thanks
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rocksandoil2241
I worked west of Guymon in the oil patch from about 1986 to 1992. I actually like it. Boise City is losing population. Sad little town. But I got stopped for doing 65 in a 55 10 miles west of Boise back in the 80s when limit was still 55.
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I worked west of Guymon in the oil patch from about 1986 to 1992. I actually like it. Boise City is losing population. Sad little town. But I got stopped for doing 65 in a 55 10 miles west of Boise back in the 80s when limit was still 55.
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mmm-mmm
lol. we used go shopping in guymon. met a guy in japan who lived in the same building who's dad was the manager of the otascos that used to be there, and that we went in numerous times, so he was probably there. :p
you missed tyrone!
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lol. we used go shopping in guymon. met a guy in japan who lived in the same building who's dad was the manager of the otascos that used to be there, and that we went in numerous times, so he was probably there. :p
you missed tyrone!
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VickiBowers
Two things I know about that part of the world:
1. The last time it rained forty days and forty nights, they got a trace in Guymon.
2. The panhandle of Oklahoma is so flat, you can almost see the ocean from there.
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Two things I know about that part of the world:
1. The last time it rained forty days and forty nights, they got a trace in Guymon.
2. The panhandle of Oklahoma is so flat, you can almost see the ocean from there.
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danielmoore7332
Nice video. I miss the first part of what ya say though. I have it muted. Because your choice of music in your videos sucks, that's why. If ya like Merle Haggard, don't play a corruption of Paul Winter
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Nice video. I miss the first part of what ya say though. I have it muted. Because your choice of music in your videos sucks, that's why. If ya like Merle Haggard, don't play a corruption of Paul Winter
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kenlewis4480
I was out there twice last summer. God's country as far as I am concerned. Black Mesa area is beautiful. Check out Etling Lake sometime. And Kenton Ok. I hope you saw the NW corner of the panhandle.
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I was out there twice last summer. God's country as far as I am concerned. Black Mesa area is beautiful. Check out Etling Lake sometime. And Kenton Ok. I hope you saw the NW corner of the panhandle.
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AD5DU
I was hoping you might go to Kenton and Black Mesa. I haven't been there but I think I would like to go someday. I live in Southwest Oklahoma, but I have never been to the panhandle. I've been to Colorado once.
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I was hoping you might go to Kenton and Black Mesa. I haven't been there but I think I would like to go someday. I live in Southwest Oklahoma, but I have never been to the panhandle. I've been to Colorado once.
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markgerrard383
Highway 412 from Boise City looking east to Guymon. It's a 47. 7m straight road & was the geographical inspiration for the Jimmy Webb & Glen Campbell classic from 1968 'Wichita Lineman'
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Highway 412 from Boise City looking east to Guymon. It's a 47. 7m straight road & was the geographical inspiration for the Jimmy Webb & Glen Campbell classic from 1968 'Wichita Lineman'
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usa-by-car
my uncle and family moved from WA state from where my family lived from Nebraska, moved to Guymon OK now they live in San Angelo TX, me I live in Phoenix AZ from WA state from Nebraska.
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my uncle and family moved from WA state from where my family lived from Nebraska, moved to Guymon OK now they live in San Angelo TX, me I live in Phoenix AZ from WA state from Nebraska.
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rhondahoward168
OK is desolate in certain areas. Without the farmers amd oil fields there would be even poorer folks. You have to wonder how the poorer folks get food and supplies. Heartbreaking
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OK is desolate in certain areas. Without the farmers amd oil fields there would be even poorer folks. You have to wonder how the poorer folks get food and supplies. Heartbreaking
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garthlyon
As part of a year long internship, I took English classes for a morning at Guymon HS in 1986. It was great to exchange with the students - a real experience for a young Briton!
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As part of a year long internship, I took English classes for a morning at Guymon HS in 1986. It was great to exchange with the students - a real experience for a young Briton!
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priscillacook7383
I wish u had mentioned names if towns along the way my mom was born n Eva ok some where between Guymon & boise city they later moved down to Hockley County Texas
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I wish u had mentioned names if towns along the way my mom was born n Eva ok some where between Guymon & boise city they later moved down to Hockley County Texas
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JoshMonroe-jd3sd
Used to go to Wynoka OK to ride 4 wheelers at Little Sahara sand dunes. They have a rattlesnake hunt every spring we used to go to. Always liked it out there.
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Used to go to Wynoka OK to ride 4 wheelers at Little Sahara sand dunes. They have a rattlesnake hunt every spring we used to go to. Always liked it out there.
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usa-by-car
Very cool trip you guys. We take that route when we visit Angel Fire - Eagles Nest, NM. It's pretty easy to cruise at 90 if you want to just put the miles down.
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Very cool trip you guys. We take that route when we visit Angel Fire - Eagles Nest, NM. It's pretty easy to cruise at 90 if you want to just put the miles down.
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nriab23
I love seeing videos like these because i cant drive due to epilepsy. So doing roadtrips through the eyes of others is the next best thing and you're good at it
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I love seeing videos like these because i cant drive due to epilepsy. So doing roadtrips through the eyes of others is the next best thing and you're good at it
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zach6243
Fun fact this land used to be known as no man's land and would be traveled by some of the nastiest outlaws. Eventually the government just gave it to Oklahoma.
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Fun fact this land used to be known as no man's land and would be traveled by some of the nastiest outlaws. Eventually the government just gave it to Oklahoma.
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nopenada3449
You came to within a very short distance to Black Mesa, just North of Wheeless. It's on my Bucket List. Man, I love your videos.
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You came to within a very short distance to Black Mesa, just North of Wheeless. It's on my Bucket List. Man, I love your videos.
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usa-by-car
Looks like Big Sky country! Barren, desolate, but still beautiful. Imagine the vast herds of buffalo roaming these lands.
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Looks like Big Sky country! Barren, desolate, but still beautiful. Imagine the vast herds of buffalo roaming these lands.
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josuenogueras7141
another interesting fact is that highest peak of the state is located in the most western region of the panhandle.
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another interesting fact is that highest peak of the state is located in the most western region of the panhandle.
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sab3295
I knew that panhandle was longer than my state. ma is small. has more of a length though. wonder how they measure the cape.
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I knew that panhandle was longer than my state. ma is small. has more of a length though. wonder how they measure the cape.
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unrulyjulie4382
Question. Do you know why it's so windy in Oklahoma
Because Kansas sucks and Texas blows!
(I'm a Texan)
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Question. Do you know why it's so windy in Oklahoma
Because Kansas sucks and Texas blows!
(I'm a Texan)
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nomandad2000
This footage aligns perfectly with what I’ve always imagined the scenery in the Oklahoma panhandle to look like
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This footage aligns perfectly with what I’ve always imagined the scenery in the Oklahoma panhandle to look like
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