Camp Nelson
Text
Two historical markers--#1515 and #2222---commemorate Camp Nelson in Jessamine County, where most of the state's United States Colored Troops were recruited during the Civil War.
Established near Nicholasville in 1863, Camp Nelson was named for Union General William "Bull" Nelson, who was murdered by another Union general in 1862.
Initially a large supply depot, Camp Nelson included 4,000 acres, fortifications, and 300 buildings. The camp supplied several Union military campaigns. In early 1864, when the Union army was finally able to recruit African American soldiers from Kentucky, Camp Nelson became the state's largest recruiting ground for Black soldiers. Eventually, it became one of the largest in the nation. Several regiments of African American Union soldiers were trained there.
As enslaved and free men converged on Camp Nelson to enlist in the Union army, many of their families joined them and a large refugee camp grew up around the camp. When these refugees were forced out and hundreds died from exposure, the Federal government freed the family members of former slaves who enlisted in the Union army.
Today, Camp Nelson remains a well-preserved site of national significance.
The marker reads:
CAMP NELSON
Founded in 1863 as a Union supply depot, hospital, and encampment, in 1864 Camp Nelson became Kentucky's largest, and nation's third largest, recruitment center for African-American soldiers, the U.S.Colored Troops (USCT). Eight USCT regiments were organized here and saw action in Kentucky and Virginia. Over.
CAMP NELSON
(Reverse) The USCT were emancipated from slavery upon enlistment and many brought their wives and children into camp, who were freed after a March 1865 Congressional Act. 23,300 slaves were freed here. Camp Nelson included 4,000 acres and 300 buildings and provided men and supplies for Knoxville, Atlanta, and Saltville- Marion, Va., campaigns. Over.
Marker #2222 was dedicated on May 28, 2007.
Files
Union soldiers marching near future site of Camp Nelson
This 1861 image from "Harper's Weekly" depicts members of the 31st Ohio Infantry Regiment marching over the Kentucky River near the future site of Camp Nelson. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Camp Nelson and Its Defences
This map vidly shows why Camp Nelson's location was selected. The high cliffs of the Kentucky River on the west and Hickman Creek on the east provided ideal natural defenses against potential attacks to the encampment. Courtesy of the National Archives.
United States Colored Troops Muster and Descriptive Roll
This muster roll lists the names, dates of enlistment, location of enlistment, names of owners, and other information for African American men from Kentucky's 7th, 8th, and 9th Districts, who enlisted in United States Colored Troops. The majority of the men trained at Camp Nelson. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
The Oliver Perry House
The Oliver Perry House, also known as the "White House," served as officers quarters at Camp Nelson. It is the only surviving structure on the grounds from the Civil War. Photograph courtesy of Whitney Todd.
Camp Nelson Earthworks
Earthworks constructed by impressed slave laborers protected Camp Nelson against potential attacks. Many of those fortifications survive today. Photograph courtesy of Tim Talbott.
Camp Nelson Landscape
The rolling hills of Camp Nelson were once the scene of hustle and bustle, first as a quartermaster and supply depot, then as a recruiting and training camp for African American soldiers. Today the preserved fields are silent but hold hundreds of stories of bravery and dedication. Photograph courtesy of Tim Talbott.
Camp Nelson Graveyard Number 1
Scores of white Unionist refugees from East Tennessee followed their soldier husbands and fathers to Camp Nelson. Many unfortunately died of camp diseases. African American soldiers and their families also perished at Camp Nelson due to sickness and disease. Many of those individuals are buried at Graveyard Number 1 in unmarked graves. The African American soldiers buried there were later reinterred in the nearby Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Photograph courtesy of Whitney Todd.
Camp Nelson Interpretive Center
Today Camp Nelson provides its visitors with an excellent interpretive center that features an introductory video, museum exhibits, and archaeological displays. Photograph courtesy of Whitney Todd.