National Register Listing

Camp Nelson

a.k.a. Site numbers 15Js78, 96, 97, 112, 113, 130; Structure numbers Js56, Js187

US 27, Nicholasville, KY
Local significance of the district:
Military; Historic - Non-aboriginal; Black

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
Kentucky random facts
Jessamine County is located in central Kentucky and has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The county was named after a Native American word "jasmine" and was officially established in 1799. Prior to its official formation, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

In the early years, settlers from Virginia and North Carolina began to migrate to Jessamine County in search of new land and opportunities. The fertile soil and abundant natural resources attracted many farmers, and agriculture became the dominant economic activity. Tobacco, hemp, and livestock farming became mainstays of the local economy.

During the Civil War, Jessamine County experienced division, with residents choosing sides between the Union and Confederate forces. The county saw skirmishes and raids from both sides, and the Battle of Camp Nelson took place in nearby Madison County. The Emancipation Proclamation also had a significant impact on Jessamine County, as Camp Nelson became a key site for recruiting African American soldiers and providing refuge for escaping slaves.

In the 20th century, Jessamine County experienced steady growth and development. The advent of the railroad and the construction of highways brought increased connectivity to the area, enabling the transportation of goods and services. Agriculture remained vital, although manufacturing and retail sectors also began to flourish. Today, Jessamine County is a blend of rural and suburban areas, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and various service sectors. The county boasts a rich historical heritage, which is preserved through its many historical sites and landmarks.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jessamine County, Kentucky.

  • 1798: Jessamine County is established as the 36th county of Kentucky.
  • 1800: Nicholasville becomes the county seat of Jessamine County.
  • 1812: The first courthouse is built in Nicholasville.
  • 1830s: The construction of turnpikes leads to increased economic growth in the county.
  • 1861-1865: Jessamine County is divided during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy.
  • 1872: The Kentucky Wesleyan College is founded in Nicholasville.
  • 1900s: Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, dominates the economy of Jessamine County.
  • 1970s: Urbanization begins to shape the county as the Lexington metropolitan area expands.
  • 1990s: The county experiences rapid population growth and development.
  • Present: Jessamine County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a growing population.