Legislation reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) on Monday would advance the process to incorporate Camp Nelson Heritage Park in Kentucky into the National Park System.
The Camp Nelson Heritage Park Study Act, which Barr introduced with U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH), would authorize the Department of the Interior to explore the feasibility of making the historic Civil War landmark in Jessamine County, Kentucky, a national park.
“The Camp Nelson Heritage Park should be part of the National Park System because it is a significant historic site of national importance,” Barr said. “The legislation I introduced with Congresswoman Fudge begins the process of incorporating Camp Nelson into the National Park System which will help us share this important story with more Americans and bring more visitors to Central Kentucky.”
Used as a base of operations for the Union Army during the Civil War, Camp Nelson encompassed 4,000 acres and had approximately 300 buildings and fortifications.
“Given Camp Nelson’s connection to Ohio and its significance to black soldiers during the Civil War, designating the historic site in the National Park System is long overdue,” Fudge said. “I appreciate Congressman Barr’s efforts to make this distinction possible and am pleased to join him on this legislation.”