Nicholasville in Jessamine County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Camp Nelson Refugee Camp / Conditions at Refugee Camp
Photographed By Ken Smith, November 19, 2013
1. Camp Nelson Refugee Camp Marker
Camp Nelson Refugee Camp
Established in 1863 to house families of African American soldiers, Camp Nelson became the chief center issuing emancipation papers to former slaves. Army's withdrawal from camp in 1866 exposed refugees to violence of white "regulators," who were opposed to presence of freed African Americans. See over.
(reverse)
Conditions at Refugee Camp
Many women and children died from disease and exposure to weather in make-shift camp. Brutal expulsion of refugees from camp in winter of 1864 was fatal to many. Only efforts by Rev. John G. Fee and other humanitarian workers improved conditions. A school, a hospital, and permanent housing later served up to 3,000 African Americans in their transition to freedom. Over.
Erected 1995 by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1965.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 37° 47.136′ N, 84° 36.451′ W. Marker is in Nicholasville, Kentucky, in Jessamine County
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Camp Nelson National Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dedicated To Union Soldiers (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Camp Nelson National Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); General William "Bull" Nelson (approx. 0.4 miles away); Butler's Birthplace (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sawyier’s Inspiration (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Thirteenth Amendment (approx. 0.9 miles away); African American Enlistment (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nicholasville.
Photographed By Ken Smith, November 19, 2013
2. Conditions at Refugee Camp Marker
Photographed By Ken Smith, November 19, 2013
3. Camp Nelson Refugee Camp / Conditions at Refugee Camp Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2013, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 754 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2013, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
