The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863.
Over the next 3 years. the site evolved into a massive recruitment and
training center for United States Colored Troops and a refugee camp for their
families. It served as a shelter for civilians fleeing war and for enslaved
people hoping to secure their freedom and aid in the destruction of slavery.

The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Over the next 3 years. the site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops and a refugee camp for their families. It 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 Visitor Center and Museum

Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center

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

Living History Demonstration at Camp Nelson National Monument

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

Camp Nelson National Monument's Pastoral Landscape

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

In the Footsteps of Freedom at Camp Nelson National Monument

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

Camp Nelson National Monument

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