I'm headed out to Kansas next week. Never been there. I've made motel reservations in small towns in each corner of the state. I just want to drive dirt and back roads. Thank you for your efforts in sharing these lovely places.
Sue, I hope you had a very nice time on your Kansas trip. Best time of year to visit is in the spring and fall. Like you, I also LOVE those dirt and back roads that lead to new adventures around every corner with all the pretty scenery and cozy towns along with the very friendly people. 😎
I was int Greensburg when the tornado hit. I was staying in a motel but not hurt. At that time it was a big rail road town and most of the motel rooms are always occupied by the railroad employs. About all that was left in the main town was the hand dug water well and a lot of residents went there during the storm...
My aunt had lived in Greensburg so when we went there after the tornado we checked out her house. One of the neighbors houses had a basement wall torn off the foundation. Most houses had a basement and that saved a lot of lives. I remember it took all the telephone & power poles for 18 miles south of town. Good video, good to see the dog again 😊
A community I visit often in my travels, Greensburg looks much different now than it did prior to the tornado. I passed through there about a week before that dreadful day. I think about the original buildings and changes every time I go through. Bless the hearts of those who lost their lives, and those who now continue to build back this wonderful community!
The view at the end of the video is why I love Kansas and the Midwest in general. Sure it doesn't have the beaches, doesn't have the mountains, but, goodness, you just can't beat that view. Being able to see forever in any direction and the sunrises/sunsets are unmatched in my opinion. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to appreciate the flatland. Not many do, I get it, I'm the oddball, but I love it so much. As much as I hate the weather out here, the heat, the humidity, the extreme cold, there is way more that I love than I don't.
TRAVIS, I feel the same as you do about Kansas! I am a native from San Jose, CA. but then discovered Kansas in 1982 thanks to the late Carl and Florence Westin from Mankato. Since then, i have visited the state so many times along with parents and family members and we have LOVED each and every visit. My parents are gone now but I still LOVE my trips there to visit my friends and enjoy visits to towns I have visited often and others that I have visited for the first time. Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco but I left mine in Kansas! ☺ Cheers from New Mexico USA!
Sad history but didn"t end there. Rebuilding a new to carry out it's history. The museum is priceless with history. To visit the well and museum would be so memorable. Thanks for sharing this story of Kansas travel.
Rode thru Greensburg rolling south at the turn of the century. Town looked much different then. That puppy liked you, he was happy for a cameo. Good job John, with a burg like that ya have to say more then oh well.
GREAT video and thanks for sharing! LOVED the aerial views! I am AMAZED that the city has come back so well from what happened in May of 2007 with the HORRIFIC tornado. Makes me wonder, though, if the population will ever be again what it was before the tornado. I talked to some Greensburg residents at the Kansas Sampler Festival in Winfield in 2017 and I was quite impressed with their civic pride in making the city come back the way it has. I have never visited Greensburg and have only passed through there. But after seeing your video, it is definitely worth a visit on my next Kansas trip. And the Big Well sounds like a place like no other along with that airport with NO long lines and TSA Agents to deal with. ☺
@@TravelwithaWiseguy Thanks for your reply! Does the State of Kansas know how well you help promote visiting the state? I sure hope so! I also am a Kansas Explorer (#1502) and have annually donated to that Kansas Sampler Foundation for 30 years since it also helps to promote Kansas tourism and civic pride all over the state. I know its Co-Director, Marci Penner, and I also wonder if she knows what a GREAT job you do in promoting the state of Kansas which is the Rodney Dangerfield of the USA since it gets very little respect by too many in this country. If only these people really knew what treasures are in Kansas by taking a trip to find out instead of just bashing the state. Anyhow, MANY THANKS for the work you do for the state with your videos and I look forward to another Kansas visit next spring. Merry Christmas and Happy 2024 from New Mexico USA!
I really appreciate the nice comments! I’m not sure how far the channel has spread throughout Kansas since I do videos from all over. I hope people find value in them! Every once in a while I get a message from someone with an organization and they are always appreciative 😊
@@TravelwithaWiseguy I will have to let Marci and the state know about the work you do with your EXCELLENT videos since you excel with promoting the state of Kansas that too often gets overlooked by too many in this country, including my friends in San Jose, CA. where I am originally from. Take care and be safe out there on your travels! 😎
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COVERAGE OF GREENSBURG AND HOW IT HAS BEEN REBUILT AFTER THE TORNADO. I SPENT THE FIRST 18 YEARS OF MY LIFE THERE AND HAVE MANY GREAT MEMORIES ABOUT THE TOWN, PEOPLE AND PLACES. MY GRANDFATHER HELP WITH THE DIGGING OF THE WELL AND RODE THE LAST BUCKET OF DIRT OUT OF THE WELL.
My brother was sent to help the KCSO in patrolling the town, after the tornado. The current Big Well is a night and day difference from the pre tornado facility. The old staircase reminds me of one used in a fire tower. As always...
I lived in Kansas City at that time. I remember that storm. It wasn't so bad in KC but Greensburg was right in the path. I have not been to Greensburg either before or after that event, but I am glad to see there still is a Greensburg.
Great little town. Truly rose up from the rubble. All too often a tornado is the death knell of small towns. But to be able to rebuild better after an EF5 tornado speaks volumes about the community spirit of this area. Love the drone shots of you running down the runway showcasing a Greenburg Kansas creation 😉 Another great video dear. Stay cool, stay safe and GOD bless
Just north, down the road from me. The town was on lock down for many months to avoid luting residents needed badges to get back into town. My friend was given a contract for much of the demolition, he tried to get me in when President Geo Bush visited, there was so much security, I didn’t get in. The town has come a long way. Thank you for featuring this town, still, you need a dog side kick❣️🐝🌻
I remember that tornado, years ago I went through there often with the bull wagon. Used to be a store on the west side of town, lots of trucks stopped by. Thanks for Sharing this. 😊
Another great video John, how amazing that the people of Greensburg decided to rebuild rather than leave, however, maybe the huge task of digging that well by hand illustrates the stuff that the locals are made of!
I know a guy that his house was one of the lucky 5% that didn’t get hit. He almost felt guilty however he was able to help out his fellow neighbors and lend a hand building back the town.
Nice video! I remember when the tornado hit...such awful news! Looks great now! Took our kids to the well back about 1990, way before the tragedy! The new building and museum are nice! Love, love that breathtaking sunset! Nice drone shots!
I've been to Greensburg a couple of times during my life. The first time was in the late 80's or early 90's. My dad used to drive to and from his home town in Texas every summer to get me for my summer visits. I was born and raised in Chillicothe, MO. We visited the big well that time. I don't remember going down into it. The second time was not long after the tornado (after I started driving myself to and from Texas). When I was there after the tornado it was still pretty bleak. Still no trees, there were trailers everywhere for makeshift buildings. It's good to see them doing so much better now.
Wonderful video to see this morning. It's awesome to see a town arise from a tragedy such as an ef5. I will say, when they say ef5, w/ windspeeds over 200 mph, they ACTUALLY MEAN, in excess of 400 mph.....such was what happened in 2011 In Joplin. One day I'll tell you the story. Keep up the great work Brother.👏👏👏👏👏
@@TravelwithaWiseguy i thought 400 was crazy also until i saw a honda sedan folded around a light pole w/ the trunk & hood emblems touching each other that night & only the bottomside, exhaust, etc, visible. Dont ask about the interior, as the car was at a traffic light when overtaken by the storm.
Cannonball Greene! If Greensburg was going to be the county seat of Kiowa County it needed the Post office there! Nearest one was in Joy, Kansas west towards Mullinville. One night, Mr. Greene took a wagon and team to Joy. He was able to load up the small post office building without anyone knowing. Next morning it was in Greensburg. Best of all there was no need for a new postmaster. The Postmaster slept in his office! Never awoke during the wagon ride!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy Cannonballs stage line ran from Wichita! Used to be the Crown hill Cemetery at Coldwater if viewed over head would show the stage and wagon wheel tracks.
I went through the well when I was 12 years old. We were going to pick up a camper I think was made in Great Bend,KS. I never knew where the well was until seeing your video.
I noticed the photo of George W visiting there. That disaster was definitely a case of needing federal help with funding and assistance. I went through there several weeks after the tornado and the devastation was unfathomable. To see brick buildings destroyed is an eye opener. Similar stories in Moore Oklahoma (twice) and Joplin. I grew up in tornado alley Oklahoma. Bless those who lost their lives and those who remained to live through the rebuild phase.
This brings back great memories of car trips from Wichita to visit both sets of grandparents in Dodge City and Cimarron. We never did stop to see the well, so despite having been aware of it for decades now, this was my first glimpse of it. I love your content - it strengthens my resolve to move to a small town one day when I retire. :) Thank you for your videos!
Really am enjoying your videos. Have driven through Greensburg several times. Especially liked your Lockwood MO one from a short time ago, as it is where my family lives.
Very interesting. This is the first video I've seen of Greensburg. I was in Kansas City when the tornado hit there. I'm happy to see what they've done with it and I hope it grows.
I just got off a 12 hour shift that day in Kingman with my vacation starting the next day and was watching the news report with weather tracking. When it got at the south county line and said it was heading North knew there was trouble! Lived in Comanche County growing up and we used to go to the Dillions in Greensburg once a month on the way back from Pratt.
Got here late today, but being late just must of made it better. Such a great example of our ability in the middle part of this nation to fight back. This community sure did a wonderful job of rebuilding. Such an inspiring community. Thank you for another great video.
Was through about 6months after the tornado. Gave me flashbacks to Charleston, SC after hurricane Hugo. So glad they have rebuilt. Passed through about a year ago. It's so beautiful what they have accomplished.
What a terrible story, but a nice ending. That well is really bizarre (that is quite odd). Nice video, you look like you are having a blast (that's good), be good, be safe !!
Wow, kudos to the people of Greensburg for restoring their town! It's beautiful. Thank you for showing footage of the tornado. It really shows how much work has been done here! I've never heard of the Big Well. Excellent video.
I’ve always kind of wondered what Greensburg was like before the tornado. I used to watch this show about Greensburg about how they were rebuilding to become a green city.
It's sad that it isn't the same town I remember as a kid. The swimming pool I use to swim at is gone. Most of the people that I knew who lived there moved away after the tornado. The worst thing I ever felt when living there was 100 mile hour winds. Lived 10 miles east of there in Haviland, Ks.
Used to go to Greensburg once a month when family lived south of there in Comanche County. Would stop at the Dillions store plus a craft store there on the way back from Pratt. The days of the Rangers and Eagles are gone! Been 15 years since I went through there on my way to and from Dodge.
@@waynohouse74 Sorry but no. Even went to school at Coldwater with a Terry and Sherry Young not related either! My mom was a McKenzie she married a Air Force serviceman! Her Dad used to work for Harold McKinney! I would stay summers with my grandparents a lot even did about 5 years of school there! I worked with a Nancy Young over in Kingman too no relation. Lived there about 13 years. Closest Youngs related to are in Sedgewick and Dickerson county rest down in the Ozarks!
You should have seen Greensburg before the tornado. It was much more than what it is today. It was basically wiped from the face of the earth. There was a big Best Western on the west end of town. It was brick, a nice sturdy old motel, just gone.
About 55 years ago we took a Sunday afternoon drive. To see the big well. I've heard it was dug to water steam locomotives. When I went down in the well. The water level was just below the stairs. How many feet between the stairs and water level now?
NICE VIDEO, ENJOYED! I VISITED THE WELL SHORTLY BEFORE THE TORNADO! AS YOU MAY SEE THERE IS VERY LITTLE OVERABUNDANCE OF GOOD SHADE TREES IN THE AREA! ON MY VISIT THERE WAS A GOOD AMOUNT OF LARGE OLD SHADE TREES THERE. AFTER THE STORM THE LOSS OF TREES ALONE WAS QUITE SHOCKING! HOPEFULLY, WITH THE NEWER HOUSES WITH MORE EFFICIENT INSULATION, ALONG WITH MORE EFFICIENT AIR-CONDITIONING WILL FILL THE GAP UNTIL THE SHADE TREES ARE EFFECTIVE, AGAIN! AS IT IS, I PREFER SITTING OUTDOORS IN THE SHADE LATE SUMMER AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS WITH A COMFORTABLE CHAIR AND COLD DRINKS!
My grandparents lived in Dodge City when I was growing up and we would go through Greensburg on our way to Dodge City. We stopped at the well once. I haven't been to Greensburg after the tornado. I kind of don't want to, and in fact, I even hesitated to watch this video because I really want to keep Greensburg as I remember it as opposed to the town that it looks like today. One of my favorite things about Greensburg, surprisingly I'm sure to everybody, was the Dillon's store. Well, what's so special about a Dillon's store? This one was really old school, I mean I don't know when it was built but it had character. Describing it won't do it justice. Just do a search for old Dillons store in Greensburg, Kansas and hopefully you'll see it. It looked so different compared to every modern Dillons of the time. I'm going to miss old Greensburg.
@@TravelwithaWiseguy By the way, when I say that, that's not to say that it's a bad town now, I just want to keep my memories of it the way it was. The old buildings, the old Dillon's, the classic look it had. Now everything is modern and it just looks like every other town despite the "green" theme. I am not intending to be insulting to the current town. What they did was admirable and I like the idea, I just ... I don't know ... just prefer the old style?
In 2007 the town of Osawatomie Ks was under water from a flood. The town of LaCygne Ks was also under water well at least the South part and the West and East highway was under water too. Osawatomie was because of the Marais des Cygnes River and Potawatomi Creek flooded. LaCygne Ks flood was also caused by the Marais des Cygnes River. Several homes on the Southwest side were ruined and also the city park was flooded. God bless.
My heart broke for those people after that tornado. We were on the edge of the 2004 Hallam tornado that was over 2 miles wide and did damage for over 50 miles. The devastation was horrible. TFS. Fortunately there was only one fatality and the actual cause of death was a heart attack.
@@TravelwithaWiseguy It was the biggest tornado, (I think it was 2.5 miles wide), until one a year or two ago that was 2.6 miles wide in history but it was an EF4 and traveled through a lot of countryside. Destroyed Hallam, Ne numerous farms, wrecked havoc with Norris school. Like I said, after seeing that destruction, it's heartbreaking to see any tornado damage.
The water is below that platform you see at the bottom. When I was a kid we could go down to it, but looks as if they have changed the stair case. Probably a good thing because it seemed unsafe then.
Doesn’t sound like the town has recovered very well if it still has less than 50 % of pre tornado population. The whole green thing is nice but I’m sure it places undue costs on rebuilding that average folks can’t do. Joplin suffered much more destruction and not only is totally rebuilt but bigger than ever.
I think it’s hard to compare. I know the Joplin tornado was really bad and probably more destruction, but it wouldn’t surprise me if a higher percentage of Greensburg was destroyed - even though less monetary damage.
@@TravelwithaWiseguy you are absolutely correct in your analysis. No comparison in percent of destruction in Greensburg compared to Joplin. I’ll add there is a light years away in distance of economic might between the two geographies.
I'm headed out to Kansas next week. Never been there.
I've made motel reservations in small towns in each corner of the state.
I just want to drive dirt and back roads.
Thank you for your efforts in sharing these lovely places.
Have fun!
Sue, I hope you had a very nice time on your Kansas trip. Best time of year to visit is in the spring and fall. Like you, I also LOVE those dirt and back roads that lead to new adventures around every corner with all the pretty scenery and cozy towns along with the very friendly people. 😎
I was int Greensburg when the tornado hit. I was staying in a motel but not hurt. At that time it was a big rail road town and most of the motel rooms are always occupied by the railroad employs. About all that was left in the main town was the hand dug water well and a lot of residents went there during the storm...
Oh wow that must’ve been a wild experience!
My aunt had lived in Greensburg so when we went there after the tornado we checked out her house. One of the neighbors houses had a basement wall torn off the foundation. Most houses had a basement and that saved a lot of lives. I remember it took all the telephone & power poles for 18 miles south of town. Good video, good to see the dog again 😊
Just a crazy story of how intense the storm was!
A community I visit often in my travels, Greensburg looks much different now than it did prior to the tornado. I passed through there about a week before that dreadful day. I think about the original buildings and changes every time I go through. Bless the hearts of those who lost their lives, and those who now continue to build back this wonderful community!
The view at the end of the video is why I love Kansas and the Midwest in general. Sure it doesn't have the beaches, doesn't have the mountains, but, goodness, you just can't beat that view. Being able to see forever in any direction and the sunrises/sunsets are unmatched in my opinion. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to appreciate the flatland. Not many do, I get it, I'm the oddball, but I love it so much. As much as I hate the weather out here, the heat, the humidity, the extreme cold, there is way more that I love than I don't.
Yeah I got lucky - nothing was open so I just decided to go out there and it was kind of a magical night!
TRAVIS, I feel the same as you do about Kansas! I am a native from San Jose, CA. but then discovered Kansas in 1982 thanks to the late Carl and Florence Westin from Mankato. Since then, i have visited the state so many times along with parents and family members and we have LOVED each and every visit. My parents are gone now but I still LOVE my trips there to visit my friends and enjoy visits to towns I have visited often and others that I have visited for the first time. Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco but I left mine in Kansas! ☺ Cheers from New Mexico USA!
We worked the aftermath of the tornado with a K9 search and rescue group, the devastation was unbelievable.
Sad history but didn"t end there. Rebuilding a new to carry out it's history. The museum is priceless with history. To visit the well and museum would be so memorable. Thanks for sharing this story of Kansas travel.
Great place to visit!
Rode thru Greensburg rolling south at the turn of the century. Town looked much different then. That puppy liked you, he was happy for a cameo. Good job John, with a burg like that ya have to say more then oh well.
Yeah not the easiest story to tell, but the town told it plenty good enough!
GREAT video and thanks for sharing! LOVED the aerial views! I am AMAZED that the city has come back so well from what happened in May of 2007 with the HORRIFIC tornado. Makes me wonder, though, if the population will ever be again what it was before the tornado. I talked to some Greensburg residents at the Kansas Sampler Festival in Winfield in 2017 and I was quite impressed with their civic pride in making the city come back the way it has. I have never visited Greensburg and have only passed through there. But after seeing your video, it is definitely worth a visit on my next Kansas trip. And the Big Well sounds like a place like no other along with that airport with NO long lines and TSA Agents to deal with. ☺
Definitely worth a visit, at least to see the museum and well! They’ve done a great job rebuilding - very nice people! Thank you!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy Thanks for your reply! Does the State of Kansas know how well you help promote visiting the state? I sure hope so! I also am a Kansas Explorer (#1502) and have annually donated to that Kansas Sampler Foundation for 30 years since it also helps to promote Kansas tourism and civic pride all over the state. I know its Co-Director, Marci Penner, and I also wonder if she knows what a GREAT job you do in promoting the state of Kansas which is the Rodney Dangerfield of the USA since it gets very little respect by too many in this country. If only these people really knew what treasures are in Kansas by taking a trip to find out instead of just bashing the state. Anyhow, MANY THANKS for the work you do for the state with your videos and I look forward to another Kansas visit next spring. Merry Christmas and Happy 2024 from New Mexico USA!
I really appreciate the nice comments! I’m not sure how far the channel has spread throughout Kansas since I do videos from all over. I hope people find value in them! Every once in a while I get a message from someone with an organization and they are always appreciative 😊
@@TravelwithaWiseguy I will have to let Marci and the state know about the work you do with your EXCELLENT videos since you excel with promoting the state of Kansas that too often gets overlooked by too many in this country, including my friends in San Jose, CA. where I am originally from. Take care and be safe out there on your travels! 😎
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COVERAGE OF GREENSBURG AND HOW IT HAS BEEN REBUILT AFTER THE TORNADO. I SPENT THE FIRST 18 YEARS OF MY LIFE THERE AND HAVE MANY GREAT
MEMORIES ABOUT THE TOWN, PEOPLE AND PLACES. MY GRANDFATHER HELP WITH THE DIGGING OF THE WELL AND RODE THE LAST BUCKET OF DIRT OUT OF THE WELL.
Thank you for sharing! Your grandfather was part of a historic place!
I always enjoy your videos. Never would've heard of this if it wasn't for you.
Thank you very much. You're an excellent history teacher. Thumbs up 👍
Thank you very much 😊
My brother was sent to help the KCSO in patrolling the town, after the tornado.
The current Big Well is a night and day difference from the pre tornado facility. The old staircase reminds me of one used in a fire tower.
As always...
I’ve heard how different it is. What a wild and crazy story of tragedy and recovery! Hope all is well!
I lived in Kansas City at that time. I remember that storm. It wasn't so bad in KC but Greensburg was right in the path. I have not been to Greensburg either before or after that event, but I am glad to see there still is a Greensburg.
I haven't been to Greensburg since they rebuilt the town. The city looks great.
Great little town. Truly rose up from the rubble. All too often a tornado is the death knell of small towns. But to be able to rebuild better after an EF5 tornado speaks volumes about the community spirit of this area. Love the drone shots of you running down the runway showcasing a Greenburg Kansas creation 😉 Another great video dear. Stay cool, stay safe and GOD bless
Remarkable story of resilience! Thank you so much!!
Awe! Cattle dog! Thanks for the video. I'm amazed people stayed after that tornado.
Absolutely!
Kansas sunsets are simply the best!
Beautiful town!
Love this town!
Just north, down the road from me. The town was on lock down for many months to avoid
luting residents needed badges to get back into town. My friend was given a contract for much of the demolition, he tried to get me in when President Geo Bush visited, there was so much security, I didn’t get in. The town has come a long way. Thank you for featuring this town, still, you need a dog side kick❣️🐝🌻
Thank you! What a story of tragedy and resilience! I’d love a dog - but with my full time job I wouldn’t be a very good owner!
What a nice town and they should be proud of what they have done. You also did a good job. Thank you.
Thank you! And you’re correct they should be very proud!
Hi john thanks for the tour . Cheers mate🇦🇺
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
I remember that tornado, years ago I went through there often with the bull wagon. Used to be a store on the west side of town, lots of trucks stopped by. Thanks for Sharing this. 😊
Thank you! Lots of memories from people passing through town through the years.
Another great video John, how amazing that the people of Greensburg decided to rebuild rather than leave, however, maybe the huge task of digging that well by hand illustrates the stuff that the locals are made of!
Very good thought! Thank you for the support!
I used to live there, great people.
I know a guy that his house was one of the lucky 5% that didn’t get hit. He almost felt guilty however he was able to help out his fellow neighbors and lend a hand building back the town.
Wow that’s amazing his house didn’t get hit!
Nice video! I remember when the tornado hit...such awful news! Looks great now! Took our kids to the well back about 1990, way before the tragedy! The new building and museum are nice! Love, love that breathtaking sunset! Nice drone shots!
Thank you! I had a beautiful night to work with!
I've been to Greensburg a couple of times during my life. The first time was in the late 80's or early 90's. My dad used to drive to and from his home town in Texas every summer to get me for my summer visits. I was born and raised in Chillicothe, MO. We visited the big well that time. I don't remember going down into it.
The second time was not long after the tornado (after I started driving myself to and from Texas). When I was there after the tornado it was still pretty bleak. Still no trees, there were trailers everywhere for makeshift buildings. It's good to see them doing so much better now.
Wonderful video to see this morning.
It's awesome to see a town arise from a tragedy such as an ef5.
I will say, when they say ef5, w/ windspeeds over 200 mph, they ACTUALLY MEAN, in excess of 400 mph.....such was what happened in 2011 In Joplin. One day I'll tell you the story.
Keep up the great work Brother.👏👏👏👏👏
So crazy what Mother Nature can do in situations like this. 400 is crazy!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy i thought 400 was crazy also until i saw a honda sedan folded around a light pole w/ the trunk & hood emblems touching each other that night & only the bottomside, exhaust, etc, visible. Dont ask about the interior, as the car was at a traffic light when overtaken by the storm.
Cannonball Greene! If Greensburg was going to be the county seat of Kiowa County it needed the Post office there! Nearest one was in Joy, Kansas west towards Mullinville. One night, Mr. Greene took a wagon and team to Joy. He was able to load up the small post office building without anyone knowing. Next morning it was in Greensburg. Best of all there was no need for a new postmaster. The Postmaster slept in his office! Never awoke during the wagon ride!
Great story!! Love that 😊
@@TravelwithaWiseguy Cannonballs stage line ran from Wichita! Used to be the Crown hill Cemetery at Coldwater if viewed over head would show the stage and wagon wheel tracks.
It's a beautiful place even though a small town thank you for touring me keep safe
Thank you, I will!
🙏🏾😀 joyed to see Greensburg rebuild. Vividly remember the devastation, was still living in Wichita during the time.
I went through the well when I was 12 years old. We were going to pick up a camper I think was made in Great Bend,KS. I never knew where the well was until seeing your video.
I noticed the photo of George W visiting there. That disaster was definitely a case of needing federal help with funding and assistance. I went through there several weeks after the tornado and the devastation was unfathomable. To see brick buildings destroyed is an eye opener. Similar stories in Moore Oklahoma (twice) and Joplin. I grew up in tornado alley Oklahoma. Bless those who lost their lives and those who remained to live through the rebuild phase.
This brings back great memories of car trips from Wichita to visit both sets of grandparents in Dodge City and Cimarron. We never did stop to see the well, so despite having been aware of it for decades now, this was my first glimpse of it. I love your content - it strengthens my resolve to move to a small town one day when I retire. :) Thank you for your videos!
Thanks so much! It’s worth a stop if you’re ever in the area!
Really am enjoying your videos. Have driven through Greensburg several times. Especially liked your Lockwood MO one from a short time ago, as it is where my family lives.
Thank you for watching my videos - much appreciated!!
Very interesting. This is the first video I've seen of Greensburg. I was in Kansas City when the tornado hit there. I'm happy to see what they've done with it and I hope it grows.
I’m glad they have made a nice comeback. Tough deal all around.
@@TravelwithaWiseguy there's footage of the tornado on here. What a nightmare.
Thanks John. Greensburg has certainly came back since the tornado. I hope the population will continue to grow.
Thank you and I agree!
I just got off a 12 hour shift that day in Kingman with my vacation starting the next day and was watching the news report with weather tracking. When it got at the south county line and said it was heading North knew there was trouble! Lived in Comanche County growing up and we used to go to the Dillions in Greensburg once a month on the way back from Pratt.
Wow that had to be a crazy time to be in the area!
Got here late today, but being late just must of made it better. Such a great example of our ability in the middle part of this nation to fight back. This community sure did a wonderful job of rebuilding. Such an inspiring community.
Thank you for another great video.
Better late than never! Thanks - it was a terrific town to visit!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy 👍
Was through about 6months after the tornado. Gave me flashbacks to Charleston, SC after hurricane Hugo. So glad they have rebuilt. Passed through about a year ago. It's so beautiful what they have accomplished.
I went through not long after as well and it was so eerie. It’s like night and day.
What a great video! Thanks for visiting!
I definitely enjoyed my visit - great town!
Visited this town and the well in my childhood days living in Kansas back in the late 60's and early 70's. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you! Great town to visit!
Great video! I'm from near there . Tornado so strong they had to locate meteorite after being moved by tornado!
Thank you!
I am behind watching your channel and have to catch up watching the last two. Thank you for sharing your road trips,
Thanks for catching up! 😊
What a terrible story, but a nice ending. That well is really bizarre (that is quite odd). Nice video, you look like you are having a blast (that's good), be good, be safe !!
Yeah one of the unique tourist attractions out there!! Thanks!
That was a good video on the Town of Greensburg.
Thanks!
Wow, kudos to the people of Greensburg for restoring their town! It's beautiful. Thank you for showing footage of the tornado. It really shows how much work has been done here! I've never heard of the Big Well. Excellent video.
It’s amazing what happened and how they rebuilt! The Big Well is an unusual attraction but very interesting!
Love this one. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure!
Thanks!🚗
I’ve always kind of wondered what Greensburg was like before the tornado. I used to watch this show about Greensburg about how they were rebuilding to become a green city.
I think Kiowa would be a great county for future county tour videos one day.
Absolutely agree 😊
I stayed there in March 2020
Great recovery
It's sad that it isn't the same town I remember as a kid. The swimming pool I use to swim at is gone. Most of the people that I knew who lived there moved away after the tornado. The worst thing I ever felt when living there was 100 mile hour winds. Lived 10 miles east of there in Haviland, Ks.
Used to go to Greensburg once a month when family lived south of there in Comanche County. Would stop at the Dillions store plus a craft store there on the way back from Pratt. The days of the Rangers and Eagles are gone! Been 15 years since I went through there on my way to and from Dodge.
@@stephenyoung2742 related to Rob Young?
@@waynohouse74 Sorry but no. Even went to school at Coldwater with a Terry and Sherry Young not related either! My mom was a McKenzie she married a Air Force serviceman! Her Dad used to work for Harold McKinney! I would stay summers with my grandparents a lot even did about 5 years of school there! I worked with a Nancy Young over in Kingman too no relation. Lived there about 13 years. Closest Youngs related to are in Sedgewick and Dickerson county rest down in the Ozarks!
I worked at the Kiowa County hospital in Greensburg.
You should have seen Greensburg before the tornado. It was much more than what it is today. It was basically wiped from the face of the earth. There was a big Best Western on the west end of town. It was brick, a nice sturdy old motel, just gone.
Great 👍 👌 😊
Nice video, loved the ending! Maybe you will be like Forrest and run through several states.
Haha! Maybe years ago but my running days are numbered 😂
About 55 years ago we took a Sunday afternoon drive. To see the big well. I've heard it was dug to water steam locomotives. When I went down in the well. The water level was just below the stairs. How many feet between the stairs and water level now?
It was quite a ways down there. Maybe 20 🤷🏼♂️
NICE VIDEO, ENJOYED!
I VISITED THE WELL SHORTLY BEFORE THE TORNADO!
AS YOU MAY SEE THERE IS VERY LITTLE OVERABUNDANCE OF
GOOD SHADE TREES IN THE AREA!
ON MY VISIT THERE WAS A GOOD AMOUNT OF LARGE OLD SHADE TREES THERE.
AFTER THE STORM THE LOSS OF TREES ALONE WAS QUITE SHOCKING!
HOPEFULLY, WITH THE NEWER HOUSES WITH MORE EFFICIENT INSULATION, ALONG WITH MORE EFFICIENT AIR-CONDITIONING WILL FILL THE GAP UNTIL THE SHADE TREES ARE EFFECTIVE, AGAIN!
AS IT IS, I PREFER SITTING OUTDOORS IN THE SHADE LATE SUMMER AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS WITH A COMFORTABLE CHAIR AND COLD DRINKS!
I remember driving through after and seeing all the trees uprooted. It was a wild experience!
I bet it been 50 years since I’ve been to Greensburg. To be honest like they way the well used to be.
My family is from greensburg. I still have family that lives there.
My grandparents lived in Dodge City when I was growing up and we would go through Greensburg on our way to Dodge City. We stopped at the well once. I haven't been to Greensburg after the tornado. I kind of don't want to, and in fact, I even hesitated to watch this video because I really want to keep Greensburg as I remember it as opposed to the town that it looks like today. One of my favorite things about Greensburg, surprisingly I'm sure to everybody, was the Dillon's store. Well, what's so special about a Dillon's store? This one was really old school, I mean I don't know when it was built but it had character. Describing it won't do it justice. Just do a search for old Dillons store in Greensburg, Kansas and hopefully you'll see it. It looked so different compared to every modern Dillons of the time. I'm going to miss old Greensburg.
I’m sure you’re not the only one who misses it! Great memories!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy By the way, when I say that, that's not to say that it's a bad town now, I just want to keep my memories of it the way it was. The old buildings, the old Dillon's, the classic look it had. Now everything is modern and it just looks like every other town despite the "green" theme. I am not intending to be insulting to the current town. What they did was admirable and I like the idea, I just ... I don't know ... just prefer the old style?
In 2007 the town of Osawatomie Ks was under water from a flood. The town of LaCygne Ks was also under water well at least the South part and the West and East highway was under water too. Osawatomie was because of the Marais des Cygnes River and Potawatomi Creek flooded. LaCygne Ks flood was also caused by the Marais des Cygnes River. Several homes on the Southwest side were ruined and also the city park was flooded. God bless.
Got pulled over there and when i requested the body cam from that day to confirm something they told me they delete the "mundane stop" footage
Thank you for the beautiful sunset, a good story of the Greensburg
Thank you! It was great to explore Greensburg and see that sunset too 😊
I remember reading somewhere that Leonardo DiCaprio invested money into the city rebuilding “green”. I’m not sure why that sticks out though.
That was quite a well. And then city really suffered devastation from tornado.
My heart broke for those people after that tornado. We were on the edge of the 2004 Hallam tornado that was over 2 miles wide and did damage for over 50 miles. The devastation was horrible. TFS. Fortunately there was only one fatality and the actual cause of death was a heart attack.
What a terrible situation. Glad they have fought back! 2 miles - wow that’s huge!
@@TravelwithaWiseguy It was the biggest tornado, (I think it was 2.5 miles wide), until one a year or two ago that was 2.6 miles wide in history but it was an EF4 and traveled through a lot of countryside. Destroyed Hallam, Ne numerous farms, wrecked havoc with Norris school. Like I said, after seeing that destruction, it's heartbreaking to see any tornado damage.
Where's the water?
The water is below that platform you see at the bottom. When I was a kid we could go down to it, but looks as if they have changed the stair case. Probably a good thing because it seemed unsafe then.
Lots of former residents collected their insurance payout and left town.
This is the Kansas town wiped off the map by a tornado some years back if memory serves
I take it you didn’t watch the video 🤔
Doesn’t sound like the town has recovered very well if it still has less than 50 % of pre tornado population. The whole green thing is nice but I’m sure it places undue costs on rebuilding that average folks can’t do. Joplin suffered much more destruction and not only is totally rebuilt but bigger than ever.
I think it’s hard to compare. I know the Joplin tornado was really bad and probably more destruction, but it wouldn’t surprise me if a higher percentage of Greensburg was destroyed - even though less monetary damage.
@@TravelwithaWiseguy you are absolutely correct in your analysis. No comparison in percent of destruction in Greensburg compared to Joplin. I’ll add there is a light years away in distance of economic might between the two geographies.