Camp Nelson

https://www.nps.gov/cane/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Nelson_Heritage_National_Monument Camp Nelson National Monument is national monument, historical museum and park located in southern Jessamine County, Kentucky, 20 miles (32 km) south of Lexington, Kentucky. The American Civil War era camp was established in 1863 as a depot for the Union Army during the Civil War. It became a recruiting ground for new soldiers from Eastern Tennessee and enslaved people, many of whom had fled their living conditions to be soldiers. The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. The site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for African American soldiers (United States Colored Troops) and a refugee camp for their families. Camp Nelson served as a shelter for civilians fleeing war and for enslaved people hoping to secure their freedom and aid in the destruction of slavery. Camp Nelson National Monument is located along US 27 about 20 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, 6 miles south of Nicholasville on US 27, and 16 miles north of Danville, KY on US 27. The Park entrance is on the original Danville Pike, adjacent to US 27, one mile north of the Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, Museum, and Barracks The Visitor Center, Museum, and Barracks are currently open 7-days a week (Memorial Day - Labor Day), 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. The buildings are closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Oliver Perry "White" House is closed for renovations. The visitor center provides an orientation to the historic events that unfolded at Camp Nelson through exhibits and a 17-minute film. The Reconstructed Barracks, located next door, features the award-winning Network to Freedom and Soldiers Exhibit. Camp Nelson National Monument is located along highway US 27 about 20 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, 6 miles south of Nicholasville on US 27, and 7.5 miles southeast of Wilmore along US 1268. The park entrance is on the original Danville Pike, adjacent to US 27, one mile north of the Camp Nelson National Cemetery. The visitor center is just inside the park gates. In the Footsteps of Freedom at Camp Nelson National Monument A living historian wearing a US Army Civil War uniform and park ranger walk on a mowed path. A Park Ranger and a United States Colored Troops [USCT] soldier walking on a trail. Trees and people can be seen in the background. Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center A paved path leads to a gray wooden building with US Flag flying. Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center and Museum Camp Nelson National Monument's Pastoral Landscape Open fields of green grass with trees during a colorful sunrise. View of Camp Nelson's pastoral landscape looking northeast near the Visitor Center. Interior of Soldiers' Barrack Building A row of rough, wooden bunk beds in the soldiers' barrack house. Visit the barracks to imagine life at Camp Nelson during the Civil War. Perry House A white, 2 story farm house with a Civil War cannon sitting in front of it The Perry House at Camp Nelson United States Colored Troops at Camp Nelson, KY during the Civil War African American Civil War soldiers stand at attention outside their barracks. African American Civil War soldiers fighting for the Union stand at attention outside their barracks at Camp Nelson, KY. Living History Demonstration at Camp Nelson National Monument Living Historians portraying US Army artillery practice loading a cannon 14th Kentucky Light Artillery performing an artillery demonstration at Camp Nelson National Monument. Reconstruction Era African American Schools in the South Learn about the development of Black post-emancipation schools in the South as part of the legacy of Black communities’ dedication and commitment to ensuring civil rights. Ten case studies highlight Reconstruction Era education stories and sites in and around national parks. Sepia-toned image of students standing outside of a small, white wooden school building. Rewarding Historic Preservation Project at Camp Nelson National Monument Unlocks New Opportunities Meet Jon Casado, American Conservation Experience member, who recently served at Camp Nelson National Monument in Florida on a Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Maintenance Action Team (MAT) project. Jon Casado poses on downed tree with vegetation around him. Historic Preservation Project at Camp Nelson National Monument Delivers Practical and Meaningful Experience Meet Sarah Kachinovas, American Conservation Experience member, who recently served at Camp Nelson National Monument in Florida on a Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Maintenance Action Team (MAT) project. Sarah Kachinovas smiles for a photograph Series: Youth Maintenance Action Team Projects How can youth and young adults be the next generation of public land stewards? One way is through the Maintenance Action Teams (MAT). These projects are funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Check out this series to hear from these amazing individuals on their experiences with these projects and get involved! An individual in a white hard hat, blue shirt, and jeans works on a historic preservation project