Camp Joe Holt facts for kids
Camp Joe Holt was an important army base during the American Civil War. It was a Union (Northern states) camp located in Indiana. This camp was just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. It helped prepare soldiers for battles in the western part of the war. Setting up this camp was a big step. It helped keep Kentucky from joining the Confederacy (Southern states).
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What Was Camp Joe Holt?
Camp Joe Holt was a Union army base. It was built in June 1861. The camp was in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This land is now part of Clarksville, Indiana. It was a major place for soldiers to gather. They trained here before going to fight. The camp was named after Joseph Holt. He was an important government official. Holt strongly supported the Union.
Why Was It Built?
The camp was built in Indiana. This was because leaders worried about Kentucky. They feared that setting up camps in Kentucky would make it join the Confederacy. Even though a Confederate government later formed in Kentucky, the Union government there never stopped.
Important People at Camp Joe Holt
Colonel Lovell Rousseau opened Camp Joe Holt. He started it in June 1861. His main goal was to recruit Kentuckians. Many people from Louisville, Kentucky, joined the Union Army here. A sign with "Camp Joe Holt" was put up. It was nailed to a tree at the camp's entrance.
By early September 1861, Colonel Rousseau had recruited over 2,000 soldiers. These soldiers formed the Fifth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This group was often called the Louisville Legion.
Training Soldiers
The 49th Indiana Infantry was also formed at Camp Joe Holt. Colonel John W. Ray organized this group. He was a former city councilman from Jeffersonville. Lieutenant Colonel James Keigwin helped him. This was the only army group formed in Clark County, Indiana.
A Place for Healing
Camp Joe Holt also served as a hospital. This happened in 1862. It was a place where injured soldiers could gather. It stayed a hospital until February 1864. Then, a new hospital opened nearby. It was called Jefferson General Hospital. After that, Camp Joe Holt went back to being a training camp. It remained a camp until the war ended.
