Near Nicholasville in Jessamine County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Camp Nelson

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

1. Camp Nelson Marker (Side A)

Inscription. Founded in 1863 as a Union supply depot, hospital, and encampment, in 1864 Camp Nelson became Kentucky's largest, and nation's third largest, recruitment center for African - American soldiers, the U. S. Colored Troops (USCT). Eight USCT regiments were organized here and saw action in Kentucky and Virginia.

The USCT were emancipated from slavery upon enlistment and many brought their wives and children into camp, who were freed after a March 1865 Congressional Act. 23,300 slaves were freed here. Camp Nelson included 4,000 acres and 300 buildings and provided men and supplies for Knoxville, Atlanta, and Saltville-Marion, Va., campaigns.

Erected 2006 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2222.)

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° 48.172′ N, 84° 36.077′ W. Marker is near Nicholasville, Kentucky, in Jessamine County. Marker is at the intersection of Danville Road (U.S. 27) and Fitch Road, on the right when traveling north on Danville Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nicholasville KY 40356, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Impressed Labor for the Army / Enslaved Men to Soldiers (a few steps from this marker); The Northern Line of Fortifications (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Jackson (approx. 0.3 miles away); The White House (approx. 0.4 miles away); African American Enlistment (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Thirteenth Amendment (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Camp Nelson (approx. 0.4 miles away); Graveyard No. 1 (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nicholasville.

Also see . . . Camp Nelson National Monument. National Park Service website for the site. (Submitted on April 1, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Camp Nelson Marker (Side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

2. Camp Nelson Marker (Side B)

Camp Nelson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

3. Camp Nelson Marker

This marker is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 222 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on April 1, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 1, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.