Congressman Andy Barr visited Camp Nelson Heritage Park in early June as his office works with Camp Nelson staff to initiate the process of making Camp Nelson a national park.
Dr. Stephen McBride, director of Camp Nelson interpretation and archaeology, led a tour with Barr on June 4. Camp Nelson was a Union Army supply depot and a training and enlistment center for African-American soldiers as well as a refugee camp for their families.
Camp Nelson has received several noteworthy designations, including the prestigious National Historic Landmark and National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, but it is not part of the National Park Service.
“It is clear that there is great interest in Jessamine County regarding Camp Nelson becoming a national park,” Barr said in a news release. “However, the financial pressures on our National Park System combined with the high standards of the application process mean this will be a long-term effort. My office is looking forward to working with Camp Nelson to initiate the process.
Read More: Barr visits Camp Nelson, discusses national-park inclusion process
