Nicodemus National Historic Site

Nicodemus National Historic Site, located in Nicodemus, Kansas, United States, preserves, protects and interprets the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the American Civil War. The town of Nicodemus is symbolic of the pioneer spirit of African Americans who dared to leave the only region they had been familiar with to seek personal freedom and the opportunity to develop their talents and capabilities. The site was named for a legendary African-American slave who purchased his freedom.

The historic site contains five buildings:

  • Township Hall (now home to a temporary visitor center)
  • African Methodist Episcopal Church
  • First Baptist Church
  • St. Francis Hotel
  • Nicodemus School District #1 Schoolhouse

Read more about Nicodemus National Historic Site:  The Story of Nicodemus, Academic References, Other Sources

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