[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 98 (Monday, July 24, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H5653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE HISTORY OF NICODEMUS, KANSAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate from time to time 
that we reflect upon our country's past, study events of history, and 
remember what we have learned from those who came before us.
  The western Kansas town of Nicodemus, though small in size, has a 
rich history that can teach us much about who we are as Kansans, and 
who we are as Americans.
  Discrimination and slavery are an unfortunate part of our country's 
history. Black Americans suffered greatly, and many fought and died to 
obtain their freedom. The struggle between pro-slavery forces and 
abolitionists was fought across the country. And significant battles 
took place in my home State of Kansas during the 1850s.
  The outcome of Bleeding Kansas was a free State in the heart of an 
expanding nation that offered hope and opportunity to former slaves. 
While the end of the Civil War brought with it expectations that 
African Americans would finally enjoy the rights described in our 
founding documents, many rights obtained were largely stripped away by 
the end of the Reconstruction period.
  Many recognized the sacrifice that Kansas had made to become a free 
State. Ex slaves left the south and ventured out to the vast prairies 
of Kansas in search of freedom and opportunity.
  The destination for many of these individuals was Nicodemus. Founded 
in 1877 by six African American men, Nicodemus was formed as a 
community specifically for African Americans. At a time when prejudice 
and oppression were still common, Nicodemus offered African Americans a 
place to own their own land, to make a living farming, and to prosper 
in a jurisdiction allowing self government.
  The young community of Nicodemus grew and prospered during the 1880s 
as a result of the ingenuity of black entrepreneurs and the dedication 
and commitment of black farmers. Though many African Americans in the 
south were denied an education, Nicodemus established schools and 
educated the town's children. Since the bustling activity and growth of 
the 1880s, Nicodemus has had its ups and downs, yet it today remains a 
community of African Americans and a testament to the human desire for 
freedom.
  Nicodemus is the only remaining western town established by 
emancipated slaves during the reconstruction period, and it is critical 
that its history not be lost.
  On November 12, 1996, Congress recognized the historical significance 
of Nicodemus and established the Nicodemus National Historic Site to 
preserve, protect and interpret this unique community. Thanks to 
Congressional action, the National Park Service and especially the 
residents of Nicodemus, this community and its story are being 
preserved for future generations.
  Each year during the last weekend in July, Nicodemus is transformed 
again into a busy community, full of activity, for the emancipation 
celebration. At this event, former residents and their families return 
to Nicodemus to share stories and to enjoy one another's company.
  This year, the community will not only celebrate the first 
emancipation of slaves in the western hemisphere, but also Nicodemus's 
10th anniversary as a National Historic Site. Nicodemus is a special 
community that reminds us both of the struggles and the accomplishments 
of African Americans.
  I am proud of this community. Nicodemus deserves to be honored for 
its contributions to American history. I commend and encourage the 
preservation efforts of the National Park Service and the residents of 
this amazing town.

                          ____________________