Daily Archives: October 15, 2016

Good Night Moon

I always loved reading that story to my son.

Beautiful Kansas moon.  The first full moon after the Harvest Moon is the Hunters Moon.  The fields are barren after the harvest and the prey is unable to hide in the crops.  This is the time to hunt and stock up for the winter.  With the full moon hunters were able to stalk the prey at night.  This moon is especially important to Native Americans.

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Nicodemus, KS

Nicodemus is located in Graham County, KS named for the Biblical figure Nicodemus.  A National Historical Site Nicodemus is the only remaining western town established by African-American following the Civil War.  Founded in 1877 by a group of former slaves from Kentucky,  the town prospered and supported a hotel, two stores, school, and three churches.

The town made an effort to attract a railroad route thru Nicodemus, but none of the railroads brought their tracts to the town.  The failed attempt to attract a railroad marked the end of growth for the small town.

After being named a National Historical Landmark the community has seen some improvements, a water tower, paved streets and some housing units.

The Emancipation Celebration, has been renamed Homecoming and it is celebrated annually as a gathering of old residents to celebrate their roots and community.  Current population is approximately 20.

First Baptist Church – 1907

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District 1 Nicodemus School – 1918

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Just south of the school  is the home of:

Ola Wilson Home – School Teacher

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African Methodist Episcopal Church – 1885

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St. Francis Hotel

Two story stuccoed portion the hotel was built in 1881.  Originally was cut limestone.  Also served as the post office, the first school and a stage coach stop.

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Township Hall – 1939

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Main Street Nicodemus

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