Mc Connell Provision Designating Camp Nelson and Mill Springs Battlefield as National Monuments Passes Senate

Press Release

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the U.S. Senate has approved the Natural Resources Management Act, which includes his provision to designate two Kentucky Civil War sites as National Monuments.

Designating Camp Nelson and Mill Springs Battlefield as National Monuments ensures their rich history will be preserved for the education of future generations. Representatives Andy Barr (KY-06) and Hal Rogers (KY-05) are leading these efforts in the House of Representatives and have introduced legislation in that Chamber.

Camp Nelson was established in 1863 in Jessamine County. It would become Kentucky's top recruiting station and training facility for the Union's African-American soldiers. In later years, those seeking freedom from slavery fled to the camp.

On January 19, 1862, the Battle of Mill Springs spilled across Pulaski and Wayne Counties in southeastern Kentucky. It was the second-largest battle to take place in the State, and involved over 10,000 soldiers. More importantly, it was the first significant Union victory in the western theater of the Civil War. The Union's victory meant that the main Confederate defensive line that had been anchored in eastern Kentucky was broken, freeing Union soldiers to move through Kentucky and into Tennessee. One hundred fifty years later, this battle is still a vital story in our Nation's history.

"I want to thank my colleagues in the U.S. Senate for passing this bill to give these treasured lands the recognition and protection they deserve," said Senator McConnell. "The measure preserves and protects, for present and future generations, Camp Nelson and highlights its important role in the Civil War, Reconstruction, and African American history and civil rights. I was proud to work with Congressman Barr and applaud his leadership in the House to ensure that Camp Nelson gets the recognition it deserves."

"The Mill Springs Battlefield Association has worked hard to preserve hundreds of acres of battlefield property and to educate the public about the history of the American Civil War and the Battle of Mill Springs," Senator McConnell added. "Thanks to this legislation, we are now one step closer to protecting and preserving this historic battlefield, which is important to the history of the Commonwealth and our Nation, and I want to thank Congressman Rogers for his leadership on this issue."

"Camp Nelson represents a significant moment in Kentucky history and we thank Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr for their leadership to preserve this slice of our state's history," said Bill Goodman, Kentucky Humanities Executive Director. "The historical importance requires that Kentuckians and all of America pay homage to Kentucky's unique experience during the Civil War at Camp Nelson. Kentucky Humanities joins many voices from across the Commonwealth in celebrating the Camp Nelson Heritage Monument Act."

Jim Simpson, owner of Dunagan's Store in Wayne County, Kentucky said, "Senator McConnell is to be applauded for his tireless efforts in designating the Mill Springs Battlefield as a National Monument. As the Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell has been focused on allowing the rest of the nation to learn of the Battle of Mill Springs and its role as the first death rattle of slavery, which this nation so desperately needed. As a small business owner in this community, I am especially proud that Southeastern Kentucky is receiving the recognition it deserves."

Dunagan's Store is a family owned and operated store in existence since 1890. It resides near the Brown-Lanier House in Mill Springs, which was the headquarters for Brigadier General George Thomas, and was where he wrote his battle report following the battle. Simpson's family has lived in Wayne County since the early 1700s.

David Phemister, The Nature Conservancy's Kentucky State Director, praised passage of the Natural Resources Management Act. "Kentuckians should be proud that Senator McConnell's leadership made it possible for the Senate to overwhelmingly approve this measure, which included permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). After many years of uncertainty about LWCF's future, if the House of Representatives also approves this measure, we'll no longer have that worry. We can plan better for future conservation work, protect some more of Kentucky's most important places, and ensure the outdoor economy can continue to thrive here for generations to come. Permanently renewing LWCF is a tremendous accomplishment for our state and our nation, and we're grateful Senator McConnell helped find the bipartisan way forward to make this achievement possible."

The House of Representatives must now consider the Natural Resources Management Act.

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