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

Impressed Labor for the Army / Enslaved Men to Soldiers

Impressed Labor for the Army Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

1. Impressed Labor for the Army Marker

Inscription.
Impressed Labor for the Army To fill the labor requirements caused by the Civil War, the Union army impressed Kentucky slaves to work on various construction projects. Of special concern were transportation and communication initiatives involving roads and railroads. Loyal owners were paid for their slaves' work, but many grew annoyed at the loss of power and the army's demands.

Enslaved Men to Soldiers When Camp Nelson was established in 1863, impressed slaves from local farms provided much of the labor to construct the earthen fortifications & improve the roads that brought men & materials to this supply base. The following year, when blacks were finally allowed to enlist, many of the former laborers became soldiers who trained at Camp Nelson.

Erected 2015 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2448.)

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° 48.18′ N, 84° 36.075′ W. Marker is near Nicholasville, Kentucky

Paid Advertisement

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

Click or scan to see
this page online

, 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Camp Nelson (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. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nicholasville.

Enslaved Men to Soldiers Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

2. Enslaved Men to Soldiers Marker

Impressed Labor for the Army / Enslaved Men to Soldiers Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

3. Impressed Labor for the Army / Enslaved Men to Soldiers Marker

This marker is on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 2, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.