Statement of Significance (as of designation - January 7, 1976):
Established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War, the town of Nicodemus is symbolic of the pioneer spirit of pepole formerly enslaved, who dared to leave the only region they had been familiar with to seek personal freedom and the opportunity to develop their talents and capabilities. Established on homestead land and named after a legendary slave, the town of Nicodemus was officially founded on September 17, 1877. It is the only remaining town of those established by Blacks of the "Exoduster" movement, which was organized mainly through the efforts of Benjamin "Pap" Singleton, who was responsible for founding 11 colonies in Kansas between 1873 and 1880. Nicodemus National Historic site is composed of five discontiguous properties containing some of the oldest surviving structures within the townsite.

Condition:
There is severe physical deterioration of some structures.

1. Kansas Archeology Training Program held near Nicodemus in 2007 2. Structures report completed with phased and recommended repairs