Nicodemus grew through the hard work and determination of former slaves into a viable business district, with Main Street developing as new houses were built and conditions improved. After Zach T Fletcher opened the first black business in 1878, he became one of the town's most successful merchants, and a bank, law offices, two newspapers, a hotel, post office, several stores, and cafes lined the streets. Hopes for a railroad stop to the expanding West spurred more than 25 new structures in 1886, but by the fall of 1888 residents knew the railroad would never come. When Nicodemus was bypassed, most merchants moved and travel shifted to nearby Bogue. Even so, some black merchants remained, including Zach and Thomas Fletcher, who continued to operate the Saint Francis Hotel, a livery stable, and a farm implement business; Jenny Fletcher, who ran a millinery shop; Jake Riley, who operated another livery stable; and G.M. Sayers, who ran a general store, reflecting determination, resilience, and commitment to the land they loved.