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

The Northern Line of Fortifications

Camp Nelson National Historic Monument

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

1. The Northern Line of Fortifications Marker

Inscription.
Seven Strong Forts Protected Camp Nelson Seven earthen forts protected the only exposed area of Camp Nelson, here, along its northern periphery. All were formidable earthworks with breastworks eight to ten feet high. The larger forts — Nelson, Jackson and Taylor — were 300 to 400 feet wide. The smaller forts — Hatch, Pope, McKee, and Jones — were 100 to 200 feet wide. The three large forts mounted artillery; infantry manned the other four. The infantry trench connecting all seven forts allowed soldiers to move safely from one area of the line to another. The best-preserved portion of the trench is in front of you.

The Parrott Rifle The cast-iron Parrott rifle, patented in 1861, was the most common rifled cannon in the Union army. It is easily identified by the reinforcing band on the rear of the barrel. The 30-pounder Parrott used at Camp Nelson was a siege or garrison weapon. The Parrotts shown above are placed to fire through embrasures rather than over the walls, as they did at Camp Nelson.

Formidable Defenses "As a defensible position [Camp Nelson] has probably no equal in the state,

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surrounded as it is upon two sides (south and west) by the Kentucky River whose banks are precipitous and inaccessible by artillery and upon the east by Hickman Creek, almost equally formidable.

The defenses consist of three forts (Taylor, Jackson and Nelson) each mounting six 12-pounder Napoleon guns and one 30-pounder Parrott. The forts are connected by rifle pits and are well constructed and effectually command the approaches.

If properly manned, the works are susceptible of defense against almost any force.” Maj. Murray Davis, Inspector General Officer, May 13, 1865

Charged with Defending Camp Nelson Lt. Colonel James H. Simpson was the chief engineer for the Army of the Ohio. He was responsible for the defense of all Union installations in his jurisdiction, including Camp Nelson. Captain Orlando Poe was the officer in charge of the initial phase of construction of the defenses at Camp Nelson. He reported directly to Simpson.

Captions
Left: (No caption)
Center: (No caption; map of northern defensive line)
Right: Lt Colonel James H. Simpson (left); Captain Orlando Poe (right)
Photographs: Parrott rifles and Captian Poe: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division; Colonel Simpson: Edward C. Hackney Collection, U.S. Army Military History Institute

Topics.

The Northern Line of Fortifications Marker Detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

2. The Northern Line of Fortifications Marker Detail

This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil.

Location. 37° 47.885′ N, 84° 36.103′ W. Marker is near Nicholasville, Kentucky, in Jessamine County. It can be reached from Danville Road Loop 2 0.4 miles south of Fitch Road. Marker is along the Fort Trail northwest of the Perry House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6614 Danville Road Loop 2, Nicholasville KY 40356, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Bluegrass Region

and in Greater Lexington Area.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The White House (within shouting distance of this marker); African American Enlistment (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Thirteenth Amendment

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

3. The Northern Line of Fortifications Marker

(about 500 feet away); Fort Jackson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Graveyard No. 1 (approx. ¼ mile away); Camp Nelson (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Camp Nelson (approx. 0.3 miles away); Impressed Labor for the Army / Enslaved Men to Soldiers (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nicholasville.

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 559 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 2, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.