Camp Nelson is deserving
It was exciting news that the Department of the Interior has recommended Camp Nelson in Jessamine County become a national monument. I appreciate Rep. Andy Barr’s leadership in facilitating this process.
Camp Nelson is one of the state’s and country’s historic jewels, where thousands of African-Americans from Kentucky received their freedom.
There were eight regiments formed at the post and these African-American soldiers gained their freedom by joining the Union Army. Later in the war, the soldiers’ families were also freed. An anonymous black soldier said, “It used to be 500 miles to get to Canada from Lexington, but now it is only 18 miles. Camp Nelson is our Canada.”
A refugee camp, with barracks and duplexes, was constructed in the southwestern corner of the post for the families of soldiers. Schools were established, including Ariel College. Abolitionist John G. Fee, founder of Berea College, led the process to assist and educate the former slaves. Fee said, “Camp Nelson was the rendezvous of soldiery and birthplace of liberty to Kentucky. It is hallowed in the minds of thousands.”
Camp Nelson is an extremely important location in the history of both Kentucky and the country and truly deserves to be a national monument.
Phil Maxson
Lexington
This story was originally published December 1, 2017 at 6:10 PM with the headline "Camp Nelson is deserving."