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Nicodemus, Kansas

Construction for the Township Hall started in 1934 as a Works Progress Administration Project (WPA) with completion and dedication in 1939. A prime example of the community spirit of Nicodemus, the Township Hall became the center for elections, community meetings, weekly dances, and other social functions. The WPA projects were planned by the federal government to help communities across America out of the Great Depression. As a result Nicodemus received a Township Hall.

During the two-year project, twelve local men worked on the completion of the Township Hall. The stones for the building were quarried near Webster Reservoir in Rooks County and transported to town under the supervision of Gilbert Alexander, project manager and timekeeper. As the community watched, Garold Napue cut and patterned the limestone with a mallet. At one point a limestone privy was also constructed on the north side of the Township Hall. The Township Hall has undergone few changes over the years.

The present day Township Hall looks relatively the same with a few exceptions. On the outside, between the years of 1939 and 1977, the front doors of nine glass panels on top with a solid lower panel were replaced with glazed aluminum doors. The Hall has received several new roofs with the existing red-brown asphalt shingle roof installed in May of 1986. The limestone privy was demolished sometime after 1983. On the inside, around 1980 a dropped acoustical tile ceiling was installed and the floors were refinished. In 1982, wood paneling was added throughout and bathrooms constructed at the north end to the right and left of the stage. The theatre chairs were reupholstered at this time. By 1983, mini-blinds covered the windows.

The National Park Service presently leases the Township Hall from the Township Board to house the temporary Visitor Center.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

NSD #1 Schoolhouse

Nicodemus was the first community in Graham County, Kansas, to establish a school district and school. The existing school building was constructed in 1918

Nicodemus, KS Historic Schoolhouses

St. Francis Hotel

The St. Francis Hotel is a significant example of the businesses in Nicodemus during its era of great prosperity. Built in 1881

Nicodemus, KS Historic Hotels

Township Hall

Construction for the Township Hall started in 1934 as a Works Progress Administration Project (WPA) with completion and dedication in 1939

Nicodemus, KS Historic Buildings

Nicodemus National Historic Site

The Nicodemus National Historic Site preserves, protects and interprets the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. At the Visitor Center

Nicodemus, KS Museums

AME Church

Area residents founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) in 1879. Members initially met in a sod structure. In 1885, the sod church was replaced with a limestone structure. In 1910

Nicodemus, KS Historic Churches

Things to do near Nicodemus, KS

Cottonwood Ranch

Cottonwood Ranch was purchased by the Kansas Historical Society in 1982. The Ranch established in the late 1800's was started...