Library of Congress, HABS KANS,33-NICO,1-7

African American immigrants to the west founded towns and settlements throughout the West. One of the most famous is Nicodemus, Kansas.

Kansas had been known as "Bloody Kansas" before the war and after the war it became a destination for many African American pioneers. In 1879 and 1880, largely through the urging of Benjamin 'Pap' Singleton over 15,000 African Americans, called Exodusters, fled the post-Reconstruction south to find freedom and opportunity in Kansas.

Nicodemus was founded before the Exodister movement, in 1877, by W. H. Smith, who later became president of the Colony. By 1886 the town had population of 200, a bank, general stores, hotels, pharmacies, hat makers, barber shops and blacksmiths among its many businesses. This photograph of Washington Street, Nicodemus, is thought to have been taken around 1885.

This photograph was probably taken around the same time as the one above and shows a family who have settled in Nicodemus.

Library of Congress, HABS KANS,33-NICO,1-6

Purchased on Ebay as part of a large lot. Austin/Thompson Collection

Despite Nicodemus's success, when the railroad did not get built near the town, it began to fade. By the 1930s very few buildings remained. Nicodemus still lives though and is a National Historic site.

This photograph is possibly of the Switzer home in Nicodemus at the turn of the 19th century.

Sadly, the establishment of successful communities and towns did not protect African Americans from discrimination and even violence ... NEXT