Nicodemus National Historic Site: Cultural Landscape Report, Nicodemus National Historic Site

OCULUS; Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects

In 1996, Congress established Nicodemus National Historic Site (NHS) as a unit of the National Park system. The National Park Service (NPS) aims to preserve and interpret the remaining structures and locations that represent the history and development of the town of Nicodemus, Kansas. The town played a unique historical role during the Reconstruction period of westward expansion in the United States. The Nicodemus Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) was commissioned by the NPS in July 1999 and prepared by multidisciplinary team. The report provides a recommended treatment plan for preservation based on analysis of the site’s historic significance and integrity. Nicodemus was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1976. Nicodemus, Kansas has played a significant role in African-American settlement of the West since the town’s establishment in 1877. The landscape is nationally significant as an example of a predominantly black community formed during the nineteenth century movement for former slaves to separate from from the injustices that persisted in the South after Reconstruction. The living community that forms the rural cluster of neighbors and relatives remains a traditional cultural property, many of whom are bound by heritage to the town’s original or early inhabitants. Thus, Nicodemus is significant as a historical settlement, and also as a continuing representation of the beliefs and practices that have evolved with the community through the decades. Nicodemus is historically significant for the early settlement period, 1877 to 1888, as well being a traditional cultural property from 1877 to the present. Many buildings, structures, and other natural and cultural features associated with the early settlement period continue to be viewed and valued by modern descendants as a reflection of the purpose behind the relocation and settlement. Although alterations have occurred to the landscape as a result of its continuing use, locations and character continue to be important symbols to the identity of the community. This includes the original townsite, Spring Creek, the former Welton/Scrugg’s Grove and baseball diamond, former nearby communities, Nicodemus and Mount Olive Cemeteries, the locations of former dugouts and sod dwellings, and the overall agricultural character and use of the township. The approach to resource management and preservation offered in the CLR addresses the critical role of local community members and descendants in maintaining the future value of the landscape. Emphasis is placed on interpretation, local creation of community organizations to manage resources, and finding a balance between conserving historical identity and generating opportunity for spending through tourism-dependent development. The recommended treatment approach is rehabilitation, intended to provide a flexible approach to the maintenance of site resources that meets needs associated with continuing use. The CLR includes information about the project scope and methodology, the physical history of the site, documentation of existing conditions, analysis and evaluation of the historic significance, and guidelines for managing treatment and landscape change.

Nicodemus National Historic Site: Cultural Landscape Report, Nicodemus National Historic Site

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