Camp Nelson National Monument to Be Featured on KET Series

This October, public television’s acclaimed series Secrets of the Dead will bring renewed focus to a critical part of Kentucky’s Civil War history, particularly highlighting the role of the Camp Nelson National Monument, which straddles the border of Garrard and Jessamine Counties. The monument will be featured prominently in an episode that investigates a little-known chapter of the Civil War: the "Simpsonville Massacre."

In the episode titled The Civil War’s Lost Massacre, the show revisits the tragic events of January 25, 1865, when 22 soldiers from the 5th US Colored Cavalry, on a cattle drive near Simpsonville, Kentucky, were ambushed and murdered by outlaws. Through the lens of modern archaeological science, the episode seeks to uncover more about this grim incident and locate the lost burial sites of these soldiers.

Camp Nelson National Monument, a key location in the narrative of the Civil War in Kentucky, was not just a military site but also served as a significant training and refugee camp for African American soldiers and their families. The monument's role in the episode reflects its broader historical significance, as it was a pivotal center for the Union’s efforts to recruit and equip African American troops.

Historians and experts from Camp Nelson play a vital role in the documentary, offering insights and interpretation. Steve Phan, chief of interpretation at Camp Nelson National Monument, and Dr. W. Stephen McBride, a former director of interpretation and archaeology at the monument, both lend their expertise to the show, connecting the events of the Simpsonville Massacre to the larger context of African American military service during the Civil War.

A public screening of the episode is scheduled at the Camp Nelson Visitor’s Center in Nicholasville on Monday, Oct. 28, offering a special opportunity for local audiences to engage with this powerful story in the very setting where some of the history unfolded. Camp Nelson, now a national monument, continues to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by African American soldiers and the community that supported them during one of the most turbulent times in American history.

The Secrets of the Dead series has long been known for its investigative approach to history, using the latest scientific techniques to challenge long-held views and provide fresh perspectives. In this case, the collaboration between national producers and Kentucky scholars highlights the enduring importance of places like Camp Nelson, especially for residents of Garrard County who live near this historic site.

Camp Nelson’s inclusion in this documentary not only underscores its relevance in Civil War history but also ensures that its story will continue to be shared with audiences both locally and nationwide. As public interest in Civil War history remains strong, Camp Nelson stands as a beacon of the complex legacy of the era, preserving the memories of those who fought and died for freedom.

For residents of Garrard County, the screening at Camp Nelson will offer a unique opportunity to reflect on this history, while reaffirming the monument’s role as a significant cultural and educational resource in the community.

Secrets of the Dead: The Civil War’s Lost Massacre will air on KET on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and will be available on-demand via KET.org and the PBS App. Public screenings, including the one at Camp Nelson, require RSVP due to limited space, ensuring that local residents have the chance to connect with this important piece of their history.