Camp Nelson

Gallery

Military

Camp Nelson plays an important role during the Civil War. Serving not just as a training ground but also as a key supply depot and logistical hub for the Union Army. Along the north of the camp are 7 forts connected from Kentucky River to Hickman Creek. The rivers and terrain on two sides gives the camp a natural advantage on defencing. These defences protected the camp from any enermy approaching the base on the north side.

 

Topographical map of the defenses of Camp Nelson during the Civil War, illustrating contour lines and strategic fortification placements

Prison

Evolving from a mlilitary fortification and supply depot Camp Nelson became one of the largest cities in Central Kentucky. This had brought the need to expand facilities for both military and civilian purposes. Orders where given in August 1863 to contrust a prison in order to fulfill the need of the increasing number of people staying in the camp. The prison was designed by Captain S. K. Williams with the help from Captain Theron E. Hall, the Assistant Quartermaster. The prison was constructed mainly of wood with glazed windows and bricks chimneys. The prison conplex was about 100 by 50 foot within a 180 by 120  foot log stockade. The prison contains of barracks for guards, a hosipital for prisoners, a dining hall and a seperate kitchen. 

The archaeological excavations at Camp Nelson’s prison site have been quite revealing. Alongside everyday items like utensils, there have been finds that speak directly to the military history of the place, such as bullets and uniform buttons. Personal items like smoking pipes and game pieces paint a picture of how people passed time. Animal bones and ceramics give us insight of their eating habits. Each of these discoveries helps piece together a clearer image of the daily lives of those who were at Camp Nelson.

Military Prison at Camp Nelson

United States Colored Troops(USCT)

The recruitment of African Americans into the military marked a pivotal turn in the Civil War, offering enslaved individuals a pathway to freedom. In 1863, the recuiment of African American soldiers was officially allowed. One year later,  these soldiers were officially recognized by the War Department as the United States Colored Troops(USCT). The USCT played a critical role in various capacities, including defending strategic locations and serving on the frontlines alongside other army units. Their involvement not only strenthen the Union’s military but also symbolized a significant step towards equality and the abolition of slavery. The USCT’s contributions were vital to the Union’s ultimate victory and marked a transformative moment in American history.

Supply Depot

As a supply depot, Camp Nelson supplied war materials to the nearby subsidiary depots. Including military equipments, shelter tentsand essential supplies. Military supplies were managed by three differennt departments. Firstly, the Quartermasters was responsible for uniforms, footwear, tents, transportation equipment and so on. While food were provided by the Commissary of Subsistence. And lastly, the Ordnance Department provided the army weapons and ammunition. There were in combination of 20 warehouses in the camp for the Quartermasters and Commissary. They held almost everything an army need in the field. Military officers would make decisions and issue orders in the nearby Quartermaster and Commissary Office on when and where to send out supplies.

Refugee

During the Civil War, thousands of African American refugees seeking freedom and safety came to Camp Nelson. The camp quickly evolved into a Union recruitment center for African American soldiers, it attracted many enslaved individuals and their families from the surrounding regions, who saw enlistment as a path to liberation. Only a few weeks after the November expulsion, Camp Nelson began the construction on “Home for Colored Refugees”. The camp provided them not with basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. Refugees who had been forced out of the camp were able to resettle in the new refugee home.

Refugee Tents

Refugee School

Refugee Office

Refugee Cottages