160th Anniversary of Camp Nelson's Largest Expulsion

From the Black Veteran Newsletter

History of Camp Nelson, KY

Camp Nelson in Kentucky was a major recruitment center for the United States Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War:

•    Establishment: The US Army established Camp Nelson in 1863 as a supply depot, hospital, and encampment.

•    Recruitment: In 1864, Camp Nelson became the largest recruitment center for USCTs in Kentucky and the third largest in the country. The first Black infantry regiment, the 116th US Colored Infantry, was recruited at Camp Nelson in June 1864.

•    Training: Camp Nelson was also a training center for USCTs.

•    Refugee camp: Camp Nelson was also a refugee camp for families of USCTs and other civilians fleeing the war.

•    Regiments: Eight regiments of USCTs were organized at Camp Nelson, including four infantry, two cavalry, and two heavy artillery units.

•    Soldiers: Many Black men who enlisted at Camp Nelson were freed from enslavement.

•    Families: Families of USCTs were not freed until a Congressional Act in March 1865.

•    After the war: The army disbanded the USCT after the war, but soon formed permanent Black-only regiments. Many veterans enlisted again and became known as Buffalo Soldiers.

Historical Significance of November 23, 1864

On November 23, 1864, at Camp Nelson in Kentucky, a tragic event unfolded involving the forced expulsion of approximately 400 formerly enslaved African Americans. The U.S. Army, by order of Brigadier General Speed S. Fry, camp commandant, forcibly expelled 400 African American refugees from Camp Nelson during the midst of a winter storm. These individuals, primarily women and children, were family members of Black soldiers serving in the Union Army during the Civil War. Under the command of Brigadier General Speed S. Fry, the U.S. Army ordered their removal from the camp amidst a severe winter storm. The refugees were loaded onto wagons and transported beyond the camp’s boundaries, with their makeshift homes destroyed to prevent their return. Exposed to harsh weather conditions and lacking adequate shelter, many suffered from exposure and disease, leading to the deaths of 102 African Americans.  It was the ninth and largest expulsion of Black refugees from the base.

This incident, known as “The Expulsion,” drew national attention and criticism. The public outcry prompted the U.S. Army to reverse its policies regarding the treatment of formerly enslaved African Americans. Subsequently, the government authorized the construction of the “Home for Colored Refugees” at Camp Nelson, providing more permanent and humane accommodations for the families of Black soldiers. Moreover, the tragedy influenced legislative action; on March 3, 1865, Congress passed an act emancipating the wives and children of U.S. Colored Troops, marking a significant step toward the abolition of slavery. The November Expulsion led to the establishment of the Home for Colored Refugees at Camp Nelson and the Congressional act which emancipated the wives and children of USCT soldiers.

The events at Camp Nelson on November 23, 1864, highlight the struggles and sacrifices of African American families during the Civil War and underscore the complex dynamics of freedom, military service, and civil rights in American history.

Let This Part of Our History Be Remembered and Honored

This is an opportunity for us to reflect on the sacrifices made by these courageous soldiers, their families, and the formerly enslaved and how their actions forged the path for us. Their legacy is not just a story of the past but a cornerstone of the ongoing journey toward equality and freedom.

We must also recognize how the bravery of "The Colored Troops" inspired generations of African Americans who served—and continue to serve—in the military, protecting the rights and opportunities that some could only dream of in their time. 

 Let us come together to honor, remember, and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. If you are able, I encourage you to make the trip to Camp Nelson and join in this significant commemoration. Together, we keep their legacy alive.