Nicodemus is the oldest surviving town west of the Mississippi River established by African-Americans during the tumultuous Reconstruction Period following the American Civil War.The town, designated a National Historic Site in 1996, symbolizes the pioneering spirit of African-Americans who dared to leave the war-torn South to experience true freedom and self-government.
In the late 1800's Nicodemus was a thriving social and business center of Graham County, Kansas. Today it is almost a ghost town. Only a few simple utilitarian structures remain to remind visitors of Nicodemus' rich heritage. The five historic structures which comprise the Historic Site are:
Nicodemus Township Hall (Now the Visitor Center)
St. Francis Hotel
A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopal) Church
School District No. 1 Building
Old First Baptist Church
Nicodemus is on the high plains and far from any sizeable town. There are no commercial establishments of any kind in Nicodemus itself. I stopped here with my grandchildren (pictured) on a very hot July afternoon (heat index of 106F). In spite of the heat we wouldn't have wanted to miss this very interesting and educational site.
Tags: Kansas Nicodemus National Historic Site NHS Graham County KS