Nicodemus

Have you ever heard of Nicodemus? Nicodemus, Kansas? Tucked away in north central Kansas, Nicodemus is the “oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.”

In 1861 Kansas was the 34^th state to be admitted to the United States. Prior to its entrance there was a protracted conflict in the state between pro-and anti-slavery factions. The anti-slavery group won, and slavery was outlawed there. Of course, that did not settle the question of slavery outside of state boundaries. Soon the Civil War broke out.

After the war ended, Reconstruction began, and formerly enslaved individuals could hope for a better life. But this was not to be. Racial discrimination was pervasive, and African-Americans continued to be oppressed. Lacking education, opportunities, and capital, their lot was not much better after Reconstruction than it was before. Barriers and disappointments were many. 

In response, a group of Black leaders determined that the only way forward was to establish a self-governing community. They founded Nicodemus and encouraged others from all across the South to join them. They painted a picture of rich terrain and a bright future.    

Actually, Nicodemus was not the “promised land” that was advertised. The weather was harsh, the ground barren, and resources not available. Many who came did not stay. But with the help of nearby native and white people, those who did remain survived. The population of Nicodemus grew, and by the mid-1880s it was an economic success, with stores, a bank, newspapers, law offices, and many social and fraternal organizations. It looked like the vision of the leaders had become reality. 

However, when the railroad came to the area several years later it bypassed Nicodemus, thus setting the stage for businesses to move elsewhere. Other blows hit the community over time, such as the Great Depression and a series of droughts. By 1950, the population had shrunk to only 16 residents. 

Nicodemus was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, and in 1996 was designated a National Historic Site. This means that the National Park Service must assist the community in preserving historic structures and interpreting the history for the benefit of present and future generations.

Today there are five existing structures from the early days, but only one has been preserved in its original state. Even so, when you walk through the area you are able to get a sense what it must have been like. Looking across the prairie you see wide open space and can imagine how scary it must have been to a newcomer who had to figure out how to make a living there. Seeing the structures gives you a sense of how productive the people who settled there actually became.  

Nicodemus holds a unique place in the hearts of those who are connected to it. Every year in July descendants from Nicodemus residents come back to town to commemorate Emancipation Day.

Nicodemus is not just a place, it is an idea and an ideal. When people and communities are free to make decisions on their own behalf they can thrive.