The civic atlas / city / ky
In Nicholasville,
look closer.
A starting point for the public places, stories, and questions that make Nicholasville its own.
National MonumentCamp Nelson National Monument
Nicholasville, KY
The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Over the next 3 years, the site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops and a refugee camp for their families. It served as a shelter for civilians fleeing war and for enslaved people hoping to secure their freedom and aid in the destruction of slavery.
Visitor centerCamp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, Museum, and Barracks — Camp Nelson National Monument
Nicholasville, KY
The Visitor Center, Museum, and Reconstructed Barracks are currently open 7-days a week starting on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. Operating hours are 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.