Nicodemus National Historic Site

Nicodemus was the first school district in Graham County, Kansas. They first met in dugouts, and then in a frame building. The current building was built in the early 1900's after a fire destroyed the previous one.
Formerly enslaved African Americans left Kentucky at the end of the post-Civil War Reconstruction period to experience freedom in the "Promised Land" of Kansas. Nicodemus represents the involvement of African Americans in the homesteading movement across the Great Plains. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.
Map showing location of park.
A summer photograph of an old church
Nicodemus National Historic Site acquires historic First Baptist Church
Nicodemus, Kan. – Nicodemus National Historic Site is proud to announce the successful acquisition of the historic First Baptist Church in Nicodemus, Kansas.
A man gives a speech at a podium
Chautauqua Event
Come join us for the Chautauqua event on May 25th
District #1 Schoolhouse
Photo by NPS PHOTO by Will Pope
The First Baptist Church
Photo by NPS PHOTO by Will Pope
Township Hall building
Photo by NPS PHOTO by Will Pope
Nicodemus African Methodist Episcopal building
Photo by NPS Photo
Nicodemus Descendants outside Visitor Center
Photo by NPS Photo