Camp Nelson National Monument is a historically significant site located in Jessamine County, Kentucky, about 20 miles south of Lexington. It encompasses 525 acres of land, including the remains of Camp Nelson, a Union Army supply depot and recruiting center during the Civil War.
During the Civil War, Camp Nelson played a crucial role in supplying the Union Army with provisions and served as a recruitment center for African American soldiers. It was established in 1863 and quickly grew to become one of the largest Union Army recruitment centers for African American soldiers in the region. Thousands of African American men and their families sought refuge at Camp Nelson, attracted by the promise of freedom and enlistment in the Union Army. The camp also provided education and medical services to its residents.
Today, Camp Nelson National Monument offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historical legacy of the site. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the site's role during the Civil War and the experiences of the individuals who sought refuge and enlisted in the Union Army. The visitor center features exhibits on the camp's history, including photographs, artifacts, and personal stories.
Apart from the historical significance, the monument also offers recreational activities for visitors. The park features hiking trails that provide beautiful views of the Kentucky River Palisades and the surrounding landscapes. Picnic areas are available for visitors to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Things to do in the vicinity of Camp Nelson National Monument include visiting other Civil War-related sites, such as Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Lexington, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," is just a short drive away and offers various attractions like the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Race Course, and the Mary Todd Lincoln House.
Camp Nelson National Monument serves as a captivating reminder of the important role it played during the Civil War and its impact on African American history. With its historical significance and recreational offerings, it attracts visitors seeking to explore this pivotal period in American history.
Camp Nelson National Monument is located in Kentucky, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Bluegrass Region. Situated in Jessamine County, just south of Lexington, the monument encompasses a unique setting within the rolling hills and lush meadows of this scenic region. The camp rests at the confluence of the Kentucky and Dix Rivers, adding to its picturesque surroundings. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the area, Camp Nelson National Monument offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and captivating landscapes of central Kentucky.
6614 Old Danville Loop 2 RoadNicholasville, KY 40356Driving DirectionsPhone: (859) 881-5716Web: Link
The best time to visit Camp Nelson National Monument is in late spring or early fall. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The average monthly precipitation is around 4 inches, providing a comfortable environment for outdoor activities. Additionally, visitor numbers are relatively moderate during these months, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Some of the activities you can do in Camp Nelson National Monument are: Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Hiking Front-Country Hiking
Learn about these topics at Camp Nelson National Monument: Tragic Events Trails Military US Army African American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Women's History Forts Infantry and Militia Artillery Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Cavalry Social Movements Enslavement Civil Rights National Cemetery Reconstruction Forced Marches Abolition Movement
The Visitor Center, Museum, and Reconstructed Barracks are currently open 5-days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Visitor Center provides an orientation to the events that unfolded at Camp Nelson through exhibits and a 17-minute film. The Reconstructed Barracks features the award-winning Network to Freedom and Soldiers Exhibit.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, Museum, and Barracks.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
Located in Lexington, Extended Stay America Suites Lexington Tates Creek is a 5-minute drive from Lexington Ice Center and 5 minutes from Arboretum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3575 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, Kentucky 40517
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With a stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green in Lexington, you'll be in a shopping district, just a 1-minute walk from The Mall At Lexington Green and 10 minutes by foot from Fayette Mall. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Lexington? This hotel has facilities measuring 4000 square feet (372 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 245 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington, Kentucky 40503-33
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Located in Richmond, Hampton Inn Richmond is within a 5-minute drive of Richmond Centre Mall and Eastern Kentucky University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Richmond? This hotel has facilities measuring 384 square feet (35 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1099 Barnes Mill Rd, Richmond, Kentucky 40475
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A stay at Comfort Suites Richmond places you in the heart of Richmond, within a 5-minute drive of Richmond Centre Mall and Eastern Kentucky University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2007 Colby Taylor Dr, Richmond, Kentucky 40475
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Located in Richmond, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Richmond, an IHG Hotel is in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Richmond Centre Mall and Alumni Coliseum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Richmond? This hotel has facilities measuring 800 square feet (72 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1990 Colby Taylor Dr, Richmond, Kentucky 40475
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Located in Richmond, Quality Inn is in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Richmond Centre Mall and Eastern Kentucky University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2006 Colby Taylor Dr, Richmond, Kentucky 40475-86
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Located in Nicholasville, Comfort Inn Lexington South is in the suburbs, within a 10-minute drive of Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park and Wolf Run Wildlife Reserve. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 100 Allstar Way, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356
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Address: 210 Brenda Avenue, Danville, Kentucky 40422
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When you stay at Tru by Hilton Richmond in Richmond, you'll be in a shopping district, within a 5-minute drive of Richmond Centre Mall and Eastern Kentucky University. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1020 Amberly Way, Richmond, Kentucky 40475
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Located in Lexington, Origin Lexington a Wyndham Hotel is in a shopping district, within a 5-minute drive of Waveland State Historical Site and Fayette Mall. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4174 Rowan, Lexington, Kentucky 40503
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| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-04 | Camp Nelson National Monument Announces Holiday Hours and the 4th Annual Winter Lecture Series Camp Nelson National Monument Announces Holiday Hours and the 4th Annual Winter Lecture Series. More |
| 2024-11-02 | Camp Nelson National Monument Announces November Hours and Calendar Camp Nelson National Monument Announces November Hours and Calendar More |
| 2024-10-18 | Camp Nelson National Monument Announces Public Meeting at Fee Memorial Church on October 26, 10:30 am EST. Camp Nelson National Monument Announces Public Meeting at Fee Memorial Church on October 26, 2024. More |
| 2024-09-26 | Camp Nelson National Monument Announces New Operating Hours and September Calendar Camp Nelson National Monument Announces New Fall Hours and September Calendar. More |
| 2024-09-26 | Camp Nelson National Monument Reschedules National Public Lands Day Due to inclement weather forecasted, National Public Lands Day has been rescheduled. More |
| 2024-06-03 | Camp Nelson National Monument and Mammoth Cave National Park to commemorate Juneteenth Camp Nelson National Monument and Mammoth Cave National Park to commemorate Juneteenth. The event will celebrate the history and contributions of African Americans to both national park sites. More |