Kentucky, Jessamine County, Nicholasville
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(obverse)
Camp Nelson Refugee Camp
Established in 1863 to house families of African American soldiers, Camp Nelson became the chief center issuing emancipation papers to former slaves. Army's withdrawal from camp in 1866 exposed refugees to violence of white "regulators," who were opposed to presence of freed African Americans. See over.
(reverse)
Conditions at Refugee Camp
Many women and children died from disease and exposure to weather in make-shift camp. Brutal expulsion of refugees from camp in winter of 1864 was fatal to many. Only efforts by Rev. John G. Fee and other humanitarian workers improved conditions. A school, a hospital, and permanent housing later served up to 3,000 African Americans in their transition to freedom. Over.
(African Americans • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
(obverse)Camp Nelson Refugee Camp
Established in 1863 to house families of African American soldiers, Camp Nelson became the chief center issuing emancipation papers to former slaves. Army's withdrawal from camp in 1866 exposed refugees to violence of white "regulators," who were opposed to presence of freed African Americans. See over.
(reverse)
Conditions at Refugee Camp
Many women and children died from disease and exposure to weather in make-shift camp. Brutal expulsion of refugees from camp in winter of 1864 was fatal to many. Only efforts by Rev. John G. Fee and other humanitarian workers improved conditions. A school, a hospital, and permanent housing later served up to 3,000 African Americans in their transition to freedom. Over.
(African Americans • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.