Quick Facts
- State
- Kansas
- County
- Decatur County
- Status
- Unknown Status
- Access
- Unknown Access
- Coordinates
- Not recorded
Boomtowns are built on optimism; ghost towns are what's left when it runs out. Welcome to Hawkeye. The 1891 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the State University of Iowa ("S.U.I."), now commonly known as the University of Iowa, during the 1891 college football season. It ended in controversy.
Decatur County holds 9 documented ghost towns, including Bassetville, Decatur, Hooker — Hawkeye keeps them company on the map.
The story of Hawkeye
Kansas ghost towns are what happens when the railroad changes its mind and the wheat stops paying.
The 1891 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the State University of Iowa ("S.U.I."), now commonly known as the University of Iowa, during the 1891 college football season. It ended in controversy. Following victories over Cornell College and Nebraska, and losses to Minnesota and Iowa College, the Hawkeyes were 2–2 heading into their final game against Kansas in Kansas City, Missouri. Following an argument where Kansas argued that Iowa had not put the ball into play fairly, the Jayhawks left the field claiming a 14–12 victory.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Hawkeye is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Hawkeye is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.
Good to know
Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.
Hawkeye FAQs
Where is Hawkeye located?
What county is Hawkeye in?
What is the history of Hawkeye?
What remains at Hawkeye today?
Can you visit Hawkeye?
Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“1891 Iowa Hawkeyes football team”), CC BY-SA.