A Kansas Memory Podcast

The Exodusters

The documents used in the Exodusters podcast are available on

• Largest Colored Colony in America!
  This advertisement for Nicodemus, Graham County, Kansas, describes the location of the colony near the Solomon River and the town company's plans to build more houses, businesses, and other public buildings. The trustees were quick to note that they will not build any saloon or "houses of ill fame" during the first five years of settlement.
• Advertisement for Nicodemus
  This advertisement introduces the Nicodemus Town Company, stating that they have claimed a town site in Graham County, Kansas, near the Solomon River. It also describes the surrounding area, stating that "we are proud to say it is the finest country we ever saw."
• Letter, Isaiah T. Montgomery to Governor John P. St. John
  Isaiah T. Montgomery of Hurricane, Mississippi, wrote Governor John P. St. John of Topeka, Kansas, concerning the migration of twenty five families of black refugees from Mississippi to Kansas. Montgomery described the difficulties faced by the families and a visit he made to Kansas to assess their conditions. He also critiqued the relief programs in Kansas and made recommendations for assisting present and future migrants..