Black Town
Nicodemus
Graham County, Kansas
Founded in 1877 by Black settlers — many of them members of the “Exoduster” movement — who left Kentucky to escape Reconstruction-era violence. The oldest surviving all-Black town west of the Mississippi River. Designated a U.S. National Historic Site in 1996.
Editorial Note
A full editorial profile of Nicodemus — including primary sources, archival photographs, and a visitor guide — is in development. Subscribe to be notified when it publishes. To suggest sources or corrections, write us at editors@black-history.com.