Q: Has Nicodemus always been an all Black town? A: Before the railroad bypassed the town there were White merchants in town. It was common practice for merchants to live above their stores. Q: Where does the name Nicodemus come from? A: There was a popular slave era song published 1864 by Henry Clay Work called “Wake Nicodemus.” Later, his song was slightly modified and used to promote the settlement of Nicodemus Q: What kind of industry was there in town? A: Farming was the main industry with corn and wheat as the main crops. Nicodemus boasted several businesses such as general stores, groceries stores, hotels, pharmacies, millineries, livers, barber shops, and a bank. Q: Are there still Black farmers here in town? A: Yes, there are absentee Black farmers and the only one Black farmer still living on the original family land. Q: How many people lived in Nicodemus at its height? A: There were about 700 people living in the town. Q: Are there descendants of the original setters living in town, and how many people live here now? A: Yes, There are 36 people living in town. 30 are direct-descendants. |