A.M.E. Church: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Nicodemus National Historic Site

Regions 3, 4, & 5 Park Cultural Landscapes Program

Inventory Unit Description: Physical Description: The African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church Cultural Landscape is one of five non-contiguous properties located in the Nicodemus townsite forming the Nicodemus National Historic Site (NHS). The unincorporated town of Nicodemus lies within the sparsely populated high plains of northwestern Kansas, located in the northwestern quadrant of Section 1, Township 8 South, Range 21 West, Graham County. Located about 300 miles west of Kansas City, Missouri, and about 300 miles east of Denver, Colorado, Nicodemus lies on the south side of U.S. Highway 24 and is about 60 miles north of Interstate 70 (CLR 2003, 121, GMP 2004, 1). The 0.17 acre portion of the A.M.E. Church site is the only property within the Nicodemus townsite owned by the Federal Government and administered by the National Park Service (NPS). However, this parcel is part of a larger one-half acre property included within the NHS enabling legislation boundary. The single story stuccoed church building is located at the northwestern corner of the Third Street and Adams Avenue intersection. A grassy yard covers the majority of the property (CLR 2003, 169-170). Period of Significance: According to the Cultural Landscape Report (CLR), the National Historic Landmark (NHL) nomination does not clearly establish a period of significance for the Nicodemus Historic District. The CLR states “Nicodemus is likely significant at the national level for the early settlement period—1877-1888—and as a traditional cultural property from 1877 to the present” (CLR 2003, 10). This property remains significant as a traditional cultural property because of Homecoming, an annual celebration held since 1878. Today, residents and descendants from around the country gather in Nicodemus to celebrate this event. For the purposes of the CLI, two periods of significance will be stated: 1877-1888, and 1877 through current day. Integrity and Summary of Analysis and Evaluation: The property remains at its original location on the northwestern corner of Third Street and Adams Avenue. The landscape retains its design which includes the building orientation and the open character of the site. A grassy yard surrounds the church allowing open views to and from other historic buildings within the Nicodemus NHS and therefore retaining the setting. The workmanship associated with the exterior of the A.M.E. Church building has been stabilized and retained. Due to the extant church building and the open character of the site, the property retains the aspect of feeling. The A.M.E. Church landscape retains association through its importance within the Nicodemus townsite and is considered critical in communicating the history and significance of Nicodemus even though it is currently vacant. The A.M.E. Church Cultural Landscape retains the essential features associated with the period of significance. Overall, the A.M.E. Church Cultural Landscape retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

A.M.E. Church: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Nicodemus National Historic Site

Series

See also