Nicodemus National Historic Site


Formerly enslaved African Americans left Kentucky at the end of the of post-Civil War Reconstruction period to experience freedom in the "Promised Land" of Kansas. Nicodemus represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.

Nicodemus National Historic Site is located in northwestern Kansas on Highway 24 between Hill City and Stockton.

  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Playground

  • African American Heritage

District #1 Schoolhouse

District #1 Schoolhouse

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.

The First Baptist Church

The First Baptist Church

Church seen through a field of prairie grass.

Township Hall

Township Hall building

The Township Hall on a beautiful Spring day.

Nicodemus African Methodist Episcopal Church

Nicodemus African Methodist Episcopal building

Nicodemus African Methodist Episcopal Church

Nicodemus Descendants

Nicodemus Descendants outside Visitor Center

Nicodemus Descendants outisde the park Visitor Center