Nicodemus Prospers

Nicodemus became a place of opportunity for African Americans and had a diverse and thriving economy. It had a bank, two hotels, three churches, a drug store, and a general store. The town eventually had a baseball team, a post office, an ice cream parlor, and two newspapers. As its population grew, the town influenced politics at the local and state levels. Nicodemus residents helped elect candidates, including the first Black politicians, to county and state offices. The future of the town appeared bright, especially with rumors that the railroad would add Nicodemus as a station stop. As railroads were the primary means of transportation, adding a train station would establish Nicodemus, encourage new settlers, and facilitate trade and communication.