Nicodemus History
The Story.
One of the most important places in the African-American experience is the Nicodemus National Historic Site, which is the only remaining all-black town west of the Mississippi River.
Nicodemus was founded shortly after the Civil War ended by former enslaved African Americans from Kentucky which had the dream of building a town that they could call their own. The site today represents the involvement of this group in the western expansion movement and ultimate settlement of the Great Plains.
Like so many other small towns that were founded during the late 1800’s, Nicodemus has lost most of its population. But, unlike so many that have been reclaimed by the Kansas prairie, Nicodemus continues. Now days, the townsite has 30 or so residents and is designated as a National Park with a number of NPS rangers occupying the Visitors Center. But, every year in late July and early August, descendants from all over the United States and around the world travel to Nicodemus to celebrate the emancipation their heritage and history. During this weekend known as “Homecoming”, the population swells to several hundred. Participants re-acquaint with family and friends doing their part to keep the dream of their ancestors alive.