6th Annual Luminaria and Memorial Walk
Nicholasville, KY 40356
The National Park Service (NPS) invites you to participate in the 6th Annual Luminaria and Memorial Walk which pays tribute to all freedom seekers who sought refuge at Camp Nelson during the Civil War. The special event starts at 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
On November 23, 1864, over 400 African American refugees, including the wives and children of US Colored Troops [USCT] were expelled from Camp Nelson during the Civil War. It was at least the eighth and largest expulsion of Black refugees from the base and resulted in the deaths of at least 102 souls. 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 special event features interpretive talks by NPS staff and invited guests and a guided walk to Graveyard No. 1, where over 400 luminaries will be light to honor the people expelled and other freedom seekers who sought refuge at Camp Nelson.
The program begins outside the Barracks building, located adjacent to the Visitor Center and Museum, and is free and open to the public.
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