National Monument Designated!

National Monument Designated!

It’s official: Camp Nelson is now designated as a National Monument!  Local and national leaders were all in attendance for the unveiling ceremony.  Camp Nelson is best known as grounds for training and recruiting African-American troops during the Civil War. The Camp also served as a place of safety and freedom to enslaved African-Americans, and was referred to as the “Canada of the South.” Jessamine County Judge Executive, David West said, "Camp Nelson is now part of the National Park Service bucket list.  This has us in the same company as the Statue of Liberty, and that’s great company to be a part of." Thousands of enslaved African-Americans escaped to Camp Nelson and ended up enlisting in the Union Army or living in refugee settlements at the camp.  Camp Nelson is considered one of the best-preserved sites related to the experience of escaped and emancipated slaves who fought in the Civil War. Camp Nelson is officially incorporated into the National Parks system.  Make sure to get your stamp on your National Park Service Passport at your visit to Camp Nelson!