Perched high atop the Kentucky River palisades in the central Bluegrass, picturesque Camp Nelson played an important, yet now largely forgotten, role in the tragedies and triumphs of the Civil War. The story of the sprawling camp ranges from panicked rumors of an impending raid by Gen. John Hunt Morgan to daring East Tennessee attacks, from petty bureaucratic bickering to the principled courage of men and women struggling to help former slaves adjust to the postwar world.

The establishment of Camp Nelson and the invasion of East Tennessee -- Black recruitment -- Soldiers, missionaries, refugees -- The expulsion -- The refugee home -- Administrative troubles and the Belle Mitchell Incident -- Closing the camp -- Claiming the remains.