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.
First Kentucky Snow over VC and Barracks
Camp Nelson National Monument Announces Holiday Hours and the 4th Annual Winter Lecture Series
Camp Nelson National Monument Announces Holiday Hours and the 4th Annual Winter Lecture Series.
US flag waving over park visitor center.
Camp Nelson National Monument Announces November Hours and Calendar
Camp Nelson National Monument Announces November Hours and Calendar
Fee Memorial Church
Camp Nelson National Monument Announces Public Meeting at Fee Memorial Church on October 26, 10:30 am EST.
Camp Nelson National Monument Announces Public Meeting at Fee Memorial Church on October 26, 2024.
A paved path leads to a gray wooden building with US Flag flying.
Photo by NPS/A. Goetz
A living historian wearing a US Army Civil War uniform and park ranger walk on a mowed path.
Photo by NPS
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