|
| Your search returned just one marker . . . |
| | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Nicodemus in Graham County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains) |
|
Nicodemus
|
| | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 26, 2007 | |
| | | 1. Nicodemus Marker | | |
Inscription. In July, 1877 Negro “exodusters” from Kentucky established a settlement here in the Promised Land of Kansas which they named Nicodemus. Although the colonists lacked sufficient tools, seed and money they managed to survive the first winter, some by selling buffalo bones, others by working for the Kansas Pacific railroad at Ellis, 35 miles away. In 1880 the all-Negro community had a population of more than 400.
Their industry brought approving notices in Kansas newspapers. one story concerned a farmer who with one cow “broke and improved twelve acres of prairie and cultivated eight acres of corn: his wife drives the cow and keeps the flies off.” Another spaded a four-foot hedge row around 160 acres of land. Edward P. McCabe, who joined the colony in 1878, served two terms as state auditor, 1883–1887, the first Negro to hold a major state office.
By 1887, Nicodemus had churches, stores, lodges a school and two newspapers, but its future was blighted when a projected railroad failed to materialize. Nevertheless, these pioneers who built so much with so little hold a proud place in the Kansas story.
Erected by State Historical Society and State Highway Commission.
Location. 39° 23.65′ | | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 26, 2007 | |
| | | 2. St. Francis Hotel | | Constructed in 1881 of native stone, it has been expanded and sided after 1900. | | |
N, 99° 36.826′ W. Marker is in Nicodemus, Kansas, in Graham County. Marker is on U.S. 24. Click for map. It’s actually on South Ave, which parallels US 24 in town. The marker is on the east end of town between 1st and 2nd Streets. It faces US 24. Marker is in this post office area: Bogue KS 67625, United States of America.
Regarding Nicodemus. Nicodemus National Historical Site includes the entire town. There is a visitor center with information and background in the old Township Hall at the corner of 1st and Main. It’s visible across the lawn from the marker to the southeast.
Also see . . . Nicodemus National Historic Site. (Submitted on September 27, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana.)
|
| | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 26, 2007 | |
| | | 3. District #1 School | | |
| | | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 26, 2007 | |
| | | 4. First Baptist Church | | This is the 2nd or 3rd church used by the congregation. Built in 1907 of cut limestone. It was covered in stucco in the 1940's. | | |
| | | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 27, 2007 | |
| | | 5. Township Hall is visible behind the marker | | |
| | | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 26, 2007 | |
| | | 6. Township Hall (1939) | | Today, the Township Hall is a visitor center for the historical park the seeks to preserve the buildings of Nicodeums. | | |
| | | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 26, 2007 | |
| | | 7. African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church | | Built in 1885 of native Limestone. It was stucco covered in the 1940's. | | |
| | | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 26, 2007 | |
| | | 8. A second Marker | | Nicodemus
Established 1877
Cuisine
Commerce
Geography
Art
Customs
History
People
Architecture
| | |
| | | | | 
By Christopher Light, July 26, 2007 | |
| | | 9. The National Park Sign right of the historic marker | | |
|
| Credits. This page originally submitted on August 6, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,209 times since then. Last updated on February 18, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Submitted on August 6, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page. | | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print |
|
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org