Nicodemus National Historic Site, 304 Washington Avenue, Bogue, Kansas

The town was founded in 1877, and former slaves were encouraged to resettle here in Kansas, a free state. Kansas was part of the Underground Railroad and was also home to John Brown. At its height, Nicodemus had roughly 700 residents. When the town failed to get the railroad to come through (it was built south of them), the town slowly died. According to the ranger on duty during our visit, there are 20 descendants of the original residents still living here. And five original structures still stand. The old Township Hall is now the Visitor's Center.

St. Francis Hotel is still there but crumbling.

The First Baptist Church looked like some work was being done on a newer addition to it.

The A.M.E. Church remains open to the public.

The District 1 School stands closed and distant.

This is the only remaining town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period after the Civil War. The National Park Service states it is the oldest remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River. The railroad may have passed it by but the story of the town remains.

Idlewild, Michigan ~ 2022

This historic area was founded in 1912 by white developers and it became known as "Black Eden." From the 1920s up to 1964, it was a major entertainment location and summer resort for African Americans. It drew more than 25,000 people each summer and a couple of famous people who owned homes here include W.E.B. DuBois and Louis Armstrong. It was a unique, safe place for relaxation, entertainment, and community in a time when those places were rare.

Dr. Williams' house built in 1920 still stands.

The Flamingo Club opened in 1955 and brought in top African-American entertainers. By 1968, it had closed.

There's a party store for sale.

The seasonal Morton's Motel was built around 1950 and remained open until 2008. In 2011, Idlewild residents purchased the property and restored the motel.

Fewer than 1000 people currently reside in Idlewild but there is more talk and interest in revitalization of the area. For now, it feels more like a ghost town, albeit one with a fascinating history.

Here's hoping for a great comeback!