Article

NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Camp Nelson National Monument, Kentucky

Geodiversity refers to the full variety of natural geologic (rocks, minerals, sediments, fossils, landforms, and physical processes) and soil resources and processes that occur in the park. A product of the Geologic Resources Inventory, the NPS Geodiversity Atlas delivers information in support of education, Geoconservation, and integrated management of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of the ecosystem.

Photo of earthworks — Fort Jones, constructed to the protect the eastern approaches to Camp Nelson along Hickman Creek. The remnant earthworks are visible in the image.
NPS photo.

Introduction

Camp Nelson National Monument in Jessa County, Kentucky, preserves and interprets the historic and archeological resources of a Union Army supply depot that became one of the largest Civil War-era recruitment and training centers for United States Colored Troops and an African American refugee camp. The monument is a testament to the courage, resiliency, and perseverance of those seeking freedom from slavery and pursuing self-determination during and after the Civil War. (NPS Foundation Document CANE, 2020)

Karst Features

Camp Nelson National Monument sits in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, which is characterized by rolling hills and a karst landscape of sinkholes, streams, caves, and springs. This varied topography allowed the Union Army to hide warehouses and other strategic buildings outside enemy sightlines, while the limestone palisades along the Kentucky River provided natural protection against potential Confederate attacks. (NPS Foundation Document CANE, 2020)

Geoheritage Features

The Camp Nelson area’s sedimentology, stratigraphy, and structural geology is recognized by the Kentucky Society of Professional Geologists as Distinguished Geologic Site 2 because of the quality of exposures, accessibility, and importance of the site in research and geologic education. (NPS Foundation Document CANE, 2020)

Story Map

Photo large grassy fields with text, Camp Nelson National Monument, A Geologic Story, Kentucky Survey Interactive Tour 5 Series 13, 2020 by William Andrews and Doug Curl

Kentucky Geological Survey

Regional Geology

Camp Nelson National Monument is a part of the Interior Low Plateaus Physiographic Province and shares its geologic history and some characteristic geologic formations with a region that extends well beyond park boundaries.

Maps and Reports

Camp Nelson Area—Kentucky Geological Survey

National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas

The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on geoheritage and geodiversity resources and values within the National Park System. This information supports science-based geoconservation and interpretation in the NPS, as well as STEM education in schools, museums, and field camps. The NPS Geologic Resources Division and many parks work with National and International geoconservation communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available.

NPS Geodiversity Atlas