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 serve...
Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, Museum, and Barracks
The Visitor Center, Museum, and Reconstructed Barracks are currently open 7-days, Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2025) to Labor Day (Monday, September 1, 2025). The buildings are closed on Mondays and Tuesday starting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 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.