Camp Nelson National Monument

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.

In the Footsteps of Freedom at Camp Nelson National Monument

A Park Ranger and a United States Colored Troops [USCT] soldier walking on a trail. Trees and people can be seen in the background.

A living historian wearing a US Army Civil War uniform and park ranger walk on a mowed path.

Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center

Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center and Museum

A paved path leads to a gray wooden building with US Flag flying.

Camp Nelson National Monument's Pastoral Landscape

View of Camp Nelson's pastoral landscape looking northeast near the Visitor Center.

Open fields of green grass with trees during a colorful sunrise.

Interior of Soldiers' Barrack Building

Visit the barracks to imagine life at Camp Nelson during the Civil War.

A row of rough, wooden bunk beds in the soldiers' barrack house.

Perry House

The Perry House at Camp Nelson

A white, 2 story farm house with a Civil War cannon sitting in front of it

United States Colored Troops at Camp Nelson, KY during the Civil War

African American Civil War soldiers fighting for the Union stand at attention outside their barracks at Camp Nelson, KY.

African American Civil War soldiers stand at attention outside their barracks.

Living History Demonstration at Camp Nelson National Monument

14th Kentucky Light Artillery performing an artillery demonstration at Camp Nelson National Monument.

Living Historians portraying US Army artillery practice loading a cannon