"Go to Kansas"

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.

A limestone building with an American flag and park sign
Community Interviews

Interviews with descendants from the community.

The Five Historic Buildings
Five Historic Buildings

The five historic buildings were declared a unit of the National Park System on November 12, 1996.

Park Documentary
Nicodemus Documentary from 1993

Watch our Park Documentary from 1993

Discover Nicodemus!
History & Culture

The oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.

Junior Ranger
Become A Junior Ranger

Be a Junior Ranger at Nicodemus National Historic Site

Historic Photos and Videos
Learn more from Nicodemus descendants

From the beginning of Nicodemus photos, film and other documents were preserved for future generations.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

304 Washington Ave.
Nicodemus, KS 67625-3015

Phone:

785-839-4233
Phoneline for Nicodemus Visitor Center and Township Hall. Use this number to speak with Park Staff

Contact Us