U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) on Sept. 27 sponsored legislation to sync the legislative and executive branch naming of Camp Nelson in Nicholasville, Ky., established by the Union Army in April 1863 as a supply depot and hospital during the Civil War.
“Camp Nelson has a special place, not only in the history of the commonwealth but also in the history of our nation,” Rep. Barr said. “This legislation will provide an accurate representation of Camp Nelson’s name on its national monument which is a tribute to the men and women who fought for their freedom.”
Currently named the Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument, Rep. Barr’s bill, H.R. 9860, would amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to change the name to Camp Nelson National Monument.
Once the bill is enacted, this would allow the monument to receive signs with the correct name to highlight the importance Camp Nelson had during the Civil War as a key emancipation site, recruitment and training center for African American soldiers, and a refugee camp for their families during the Civil War, according to the congressman’s staff.
Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter and Jessamine County (KY) Judge Executive David West support the proposed bill, which is under consideration in the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.