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Nicodemus National Historic SiteNicodemus, Kansas Schoolhouse
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Nicodemus National Historic Site
Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q: Has Nicodemus always been an all Black town?

A: Before the railroad bypassed the town there were White merchants in town.  It was common practice for merchants to live above their stores.

Q: Where does the name Nicodemus come from?

A: There was a popular slave era song published 1864 by Henry Clay Work called “Wake Nicodemus.” Later, his song was slightly modified and used to promote the settlement of Nicodemus 

Q: What kind of industry was there in town?

A: Farming was the main industry with corn and wheat as the main crops. Nicodemus boasted several businesses such as general stores, groceries stores, hotels, pharmacies, millineries, livers, barber shops, and a bank.   

Q: Are there still Black farmers here in town?

A: Yes, there are absentee Black farmers and the only one Black farmer still living on the original family land.

Q: How many people lived in Nicodemus at its height? 

A: There were about 700 people living in the town.

Q: Are there descendants of the original setters living in town, and how many people live here now?

A: Yes, There are 36 people living in town. 30 are direct-descendants.

Aireal view of Nicodemus  

Did You Know?
The two original groups of settlers (1877-78) came from central Kentucky into a totally different environment of dry grassland, limestone soil, and almost no trees.

Last Updated: August 24, 2006 at 11:22 EST