Andy Barr U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 6th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Andy Barr U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 6th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Congressman Andy Barr has introduced a bill to amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019. The legislation aims to align the naming of Camp Nelson National Monument between legislative and executive branches by changing its name from "Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument" to "Camp Nelson National Monument." This adjustment will facilitate the installation of accurate signage at the site.
Camp Nelson, located in Nicholasville, Kentucky, was established by the Union Army in April 1863 as a supply depot and hospital. Over time, it became an emancipation site, recruitment and training center for African American soldiers, and a refugee camp for their families during the Civil War. In October 2018, President Trump designated Camp Nelson as a National Monument following a recommendation from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.
"Camp Nelson has a special place, not only in the history of the Commonwealth but also in the history of our nation," said Congressman Barr. "This legislation will provide an accurate representation of Camp Nelson's name on its national monument which is a tribute to the men and women who fought for their freedom."
Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter expressed his support for correcting the name: "Camp Nelson National Monument is an invaluable asset to our community and one of the many attractions that makes Jessamine County beautiful and unique. It is my understanding that when Camp Nelson received its National Monument status that it was incorrectly named, therefore making it impossible to obtain proper signage. I would like to give my full support to the name being corrected so that we may continue to properly honor this historic site."
Jessamine County Judge Executive David West also backed the proposed change: "Continuing to properly honor Camp Nelson is crucial to preserving the history and culture of Jessamine County, Kentucky. I support the proposed legislative name correction from Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument to Camp Nelson National Monument."
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