Kentucky Center for African American Heritage

 

 

  
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8.7
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Middle School – Grade 8
    

 

 

 

 

 

drawing of Henry Clay
Camp Nelson

Core Content Guide

1.2.2
Federal (national) and state governments have both separate and shared powers.

2.2.1
All cultures develop institutions, customs, beliefs, and holidays reflecting their unique histories, situations, and perspectives.

2.4.1
Conflict and competition (e.g., political, economic, religious, ethnic) may occur as cultures emerge and develop.

5.1.2
Primary sources, secondary sources, artifacts, and time lines are essential tools in the study and interpretation of history.

5.1.3
History is a series of connected events shaped by multiple causeand- effect relationships, tying the past to the present.

5.2.4
Political, social, economic, and cultural differences (e.g., slavery, tariffs, industrialism vs. agrarianism, federal vs. states' rights) among sections of the U.S. resulted in the American Civil War.		    

 

8.7 Black Soldiers in a White Army: Letters from the USCT in Kentucky

Pre-Visit
Students research and discuss black soldiers who fought in the Civil War. Students discuss why they took part in the war. Students discuss their treatment and their bravery.

In the Museum
Students tour the "Camp Nelson" Exhibit, seeing pictures of the camp, United States Colored Troop (USCT)soldiers, a uniform and a map of the camp, including the refugee section. Students can gather around a wood stove to listen to stories and letters from the camp and learn more about how former slave Elijah Marrs wrote letters for other soldiers and eventually became an officer, an educator and pastor.

Students also visit the "Black Patriots" Exhibit, where they will have the opportunity to learn about soldiers in other wars. By viewing the time line, students can gain greater understanding of the changes in military service over time and can read many stories of bravery and public service.

Post-Visit
After reading the letters, answering the related questions, and visiting the Center, students may write a reflective response to one of the letters.

Photo of Allen Allensworth
Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth