Camp Nelson National Monument

The Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park Visitor Center
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.
Map showing location of park.
12th US Colored Heavy Artillery flag with text on the stripes
Camp Nelson National Monument and Mammoth Cave National Park to commemorate Juneteenth
Camp Nelson National Monument and Mammoth Cave National Park to commemorate Juneteenth. The event will celebrate the history and contributions of African Americans to both national park sites.
The Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center and Barracks
Camp Nelson National Monument Announces New Summer Hours and May Calendar
Camp Nelson National Monument Announces New Summer Hours and May Calendar
A living historian wearing a US Army Civil War uniform and park ranger walk on a mowed path.
Photo by NPS
A paved path leads to a gray wooden building with US Flag flying.
Photo by NPS/A. Goetz
Open fields of green grass with trees during a colorful sunrise.
Photo by NPS/SP
A row of rough, wooden bunk beds in the soldiers' barrack house.
Photo by NPS/ A. Goetz
A white, 2 story farm house with a Civil War cannon sitting in front of it
Photo by NPS Photo
African American Civil War soldiers stand at attention outside their barracks.
Photo by NPS Photo
Living Historians portraying US Army artillery practice loading a cannon
Photo by NPS