The History Behind This Western Town In Kansas Is Truly Fascinating
By Clarisa|Published January 23, 2019
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Clarisa
Author
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
Here in Kansas, we’re all about our history as part of the large movement west as well as our part in changing slavery through Bleeding Kansas and other events. Small towns pepper the Kansas landscape like well, pepper, but there’s one that sticks out as the most uniquely created among them all. This specific western town in Kansas wasn’t created like any of our other towns. Have you ever heard of this unique historical place before?
The most uniquely created town in Kansas is Nicodemus.
Events like The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl really took a toll on the population, and it didn't make it for very long afterwards. There hasn't been a post office here since 1953, and the school hasn't been here since 1960.
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However, the most interesting thing about this town is how it was created.
Nicodemus is the oldest and only remaining African American-founded town west of the Mississippi. Slaves who fled the south in search of true freedom found this spot in Kansas like it was an oasis.
After the Civil War ended, Nicodemus was a home to all who needed it. It was hard for them to get land with new laws coming in, but they platted the town just in time and made do with all the dry ground and dugout homes they could.
They never got the railroad they were promised, but the town continued to be a place where everyone was accepted, and where people found their start before moving on to other places.
It reached its height at about 500 residents, plenty of activities to do in town, and multiple churches, before eventually succumbing to agricultural and financial losses. Even still, a few people remain living in town, and the Township Hall building (pictured first in the article) is the only one available to the public.
Today, you can find a modern community with all the friendliness and Kansas hospitality you know and love.
Sometimes you can see reenactment events where you can almost feel like you're getting ready to settle in a town made for better days, but usually it's pretty quiet. Next time you're driving around northwest Kansas, why not stop by Nicodemus for a while?
Nicodemus sits northwest of Hays, and straight east of Colby, along hwy 24.
If you love our state history, you’ll enjoy this cross-state road trip that takes you to all of our favorite Kansas historical museum and locations. Check it out sometime!
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