[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [House] [Pages 15553-15554] [From the U.S. 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 [[Page 15554]] 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. ____________________