Nicodemus National Historic Site

Nicodemus
Nicodemus is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River, formed by formerly enslaved African Americans who left Kentucky at the end of post-Civil War Reconstruction to experience freedom. Learn about the African American role in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains.

Discover Nicodemus National Historic Site

Nicodemus photo

Nicodemus National Historic Site remains a living, thriving community. The site tells the inspiring story of hope, resilience, and determination as it preserves the legacy of the first and only remaining Black settlement on the Great Plains. Founded in 1877 by formerly enslaved African Americans seeking freedom and opportunity, Nicodemus became a symbol of Black self-sufficiency in the West. Located in rural Kansas, the site includes historic buildings and interpretive exhibits that highlight the struggles and triumphs of the town’s early settlers, as well as the legacy of the many descendants who still live in or consider Nicodemus home. A visit to Nicodemus offers a powerful glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of American history and the enduring spirit of its community.

Explore Nicodemus National Historic Site

Nicodemus National Historic Site, located in northwestern Kansas, preserves and interprets the oldest and only Black settlement in the western United States. Formerly enslaved African Americans left Kentucky at the end of the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era to experience freedom in the “Promised Land” of Kansas. 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. Several descendants of the original settlers still reside in Nicodemus, and many visit each year for the annual Emancipation Celebration. This homecoming event, which began in 1878, fosters the renewal of the spirit of Nicodemus.

Explore Nicodemus National Historic Site
Visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
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