Today we drove east to Nicodemus, Kansas, the oldest African American-founded community west of the Mississippi and the site of Nicodemus National Historic Site:

The town, once with a population of 700, was decimated by the great depression and today has a population of about 30.  The park service leases the township hall and uses it as a visitor center:

The town has a fascinating history and we enjoyed learning the story of post-Civil War African American migration and settlement.

The kids completed the Junior Ranger workbooks and received their badges:

On our way out of town, we drove by three original buildings, the hotel, a church, and the old school:

Continuing east and north, we reached the town of Crete, Nebraska, where we spent a couple hours visiting with my college friend Steve and his wife Ann.  It was so much fun to catch up of the last twenty years and tour their lovely home.  Unfortunately, we have no photographs from our visit.

Tonight we’re overnighting at the Walmart of Crete, Nebraska.  See the trip map for today’s drive and our current location.