Historical Marker

Camp Nelson

Named for Major General William Nelson, who established first Union recruiting center south of Ohio River, 1861. Original camp, Garrard Co., called Camp Dick Robinson. For better protection from invading CSA armies of Tenn., camp moved to Jessamine side of Ky. River. Major General George H. Thomas renamed it Camp Nelson. Occupied until end of war; now U.S. military cem.

Reverse

Maj. Gen. William Nelson - A navy lieutenant when he founded Camp Dick Robinson, Gen. Nelson was the only naval officer, CSA or USA, to become full-rank Civil War major general. He persuaded Lincoln to abandon "hands off" policy in Ky. and to supply 5,000 guns to Union supporters. Killed by fellow Union officer, Jeff C. Davis, in personal dispute at Galt House in Louisville, September 29, 1862.