Agnostik
National Monument · KY

Camp Nelson National Monument

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.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

A paved path leads to a gray wooden building with US Flag flying.
Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center and Museum
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.
Open fields of green grass with trees during a colorful sunrise.
View of Camp Nelson's pastoral landscape looking northeast near the Visitor Center.
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.
A white, 2 story farm house with a Civil War cannon sitting in front of it
The Perry House at Camp Nelson
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 Historians portraying US Army artillery practice loading a cannon
14th Kentucky Light Artillery performing an artillery demonstration at Camp Nelson National Monument.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits