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Summary:
John Wise, a travel enthusiast, featured Jones County, South Dakota, in a video as part of his YouTube series “Travel with a Wiseguy.” His visit on July 27, 2026, explored the history of the county, including its towns and attractions. Key locations included Capa, Van Metre, Murdo, Draper, Westover, and the ghost town of Okaton. Throughout his travels, Wise highlighted the unique history, population statistics, and historical sites of these small communities.
Key Points:
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Background on Jones County: Formed in 1916 and named after Granville Winnington Jones. It has a population of 917 as of the 2020 census, making it the least populated county in South Dakota.
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Capa: The first town visited. Named due to the railroad’s influence. Notable sites include the Capa Bridge built in 1919.
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Van Metre: Mostly abandoned, with only railroad tracks remaining. Had a post office until 1960.
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Murdo: Known as “The Magic City,” it peaked at a population of 865 during the 1970s. Mentioned the Pioneer Auto Museum as a major attraction, promising a separate video.
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Draper: Established as a town in 1910, named after a railroad official. Its population is just 46.
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Freier Round Barn: A historic site near Draper, built in 1918 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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Westover: The White River was central to its establishment; had a post office from the 1890s to 1957.
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Okaton: A ghost town with remnants of past buildings and history tied to the railroad.
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Viewer Engagement: The video garnered almost 150,000 views, reflecting significant interest in South Dakota’s history.
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Merry-Go-Round: Wise rated the merry-go-round in Murdo City Park 7.3 out of 10, noting it could use a paint job.
The video celebrates the charm and stories behind small towns and their historical significance in South Dakota.
