Visit Kansas’ Nicodemus National Historic Site

History buffs will want to make a special point of scheduling a visit to the Nicodemus National Historic Site. Here, at this northwest Kansas attraction, visitors can learn more about the exceptional story of one of the first communities established by former slaves in 1877.

If you are traveling during the summer, begin your journey back through time with a stop at the Visitor Center, which can be found in the Township Hall. Within the site, you encounter fascinating historical displays, exhibits and audio tales of the community’s founders:  Rev. W.R. Hill and H.W. Smith. The town is considered to be the oldest African-American settlements, and the only historic settlement still to be found west of the Mississippi.

Among the other noteworthy attractions are the Nicodemus Township School, the St. Francis Hotel, the First Baptist Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Nicodemus Roadside Park is a particularly good spot for families to enjoy a picnic while reflecting on this incredible community.