Camp Nelson's Civil War Days in Nicholasville, KY

A couple of years ago, I swung by Camp Nelson for the first time.  I had been looking for an excuse to get back there, and I finally found one!  They recently hosted a "Civil War Days" so we went by for that.

They didn't have any reenactment battles or anything like that.  Also, as this was a Union camp, there were no Confederate reenactors for the event.


The day started around 9, and we arrived a little after they opened.  For $5 per carload, you could enjoy all of the festivities.

We first visited the general camp, where Union soldiers seemed eager to tell us about their daily activities, how soldiers lived at the time, etc.

One camper/soldier was a map maker and he spent a lot of time telling us about the map making process, and how size greatly affected how much information could be put into a map.  Also, a soldier might like to have a canvas map, as it would not be damaged by rain or rivers.  A soldier might also make a map out of a basic piece of cloth, just so that he could show friends back home where all he had been.

There were other demonstrations too, but we weren't able to catch them all.  I did notice a cricket game on the agenda, along with artillery firing, etc.  There were several things directed at kids during the day- obviously this was a very family friendly event.

And there is a lot going on here anytime for anyone interested in the Civil War.  You can take a nice long walk around the fort area.  There is a very well done film about Camp Nelson, and there is a nice museum.

We did take the time to explore the museum.  We were excited to find General Grant and President Lincoln having a conversation in the museum before their scheduled presentations that day.  They very politely posed for a photo before we went on our way through the museum.

After that, we took a tour of the Perry House, which was on the property when Camp Nelson was used for recruiting.  A Girl Scout troop from Frankfort was giving the tours, and they did a great job!  I think we may have been the first group that they gave a tour too, but they did an amazing job telling us about the building!

After our tour, we went to hear a presentation by Curt Fields Jr., as General Grant.  This was very exciting, as Mr. Fields was the exact General Grant I have conjured in my mind.  He talked for some time about Camp Nelson, Fort Donelson, and the Civil War in General.  Grant talked a lot about the supply chain, and the difficulties of getting needed items at times.  He also talked a lot about the high cost (in lives) of the war.


Before Grant's speech ended, he was joined by Larry Elliott as Abraham Lincoln.  They talked, as Lincoln and Grant, as if it were 1865, and the war was coming to an end.  Grant knew that Lee's army was struggling for food, but he saw no stragglers.  He knew that Lee's army was aware of the fact that the war was about to end.  AND, even in loss, the soldiers stuck with Lee, knowing that they would be present for the end.  Lincoln encouraged Grant to be generous with Lee during the inevitable surrender.

Lincoln then did a very fine speech about many topics.  AND, he came off as the lovable Lincoln we all know, BUT, he was still the President Lincoln dealing with the Civil War.  He was animated during his talk, and a bit upset at times discussing his situation.  It was a real treat getting to hear Grant and Lincoln individually, and together.


This event at Camp Nelson was a lot of fun, and I will never forget how REAL Elliott and Fields seemed as Lincoln and Grant.  We will also always appreciate the girl scouts giving their time to the park, eagerly showing us around the Perry House....  AND I really haven't even mentioned the historic significance of Fort Nelson itself!  You should go there yourself for more info!