Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
March 25th, 2013, the date which officially established the long-awaited Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. However, the work that went in to reaching the monumental achievement began long before March 25th, 2013 and incorporated myriad people and organizations who believed that this true American hero's story should be known to all and cherished forever.
Two of the biggest supporters of the legacy of Charles Young, Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (NAAMCC), went to great lengths and expenses to ensure that the house of Colonel Charles Young would remain intact and presentable in the hopes of becoming the centerpiece of a national park. The commitment, dedication and resolve that these organizations and the countless number of people who supported the Young legacy, culminated on Monday, March 25th, 2013 as President Barack Obama utilized the powers given to him under the 1906 Antiquities Act and signed the proclamation establishing Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. The proclamation set aside nearly 60 acres of land that includes the former home of Colonel Young. The house, more affectionately known as "Youngsholm" also serves as the current face of the newest national park addition.
Early in his career in 1894, Charles Young received a detached service assignment as an instructor of military science and tactics at Wilberforce University. He developed the curriculum and served as a role model for the young men in the program. In 1907, the Young's purchased a large house about a mile from the campus which he later named "Youngsholm." The house was built in 1839 and was once used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Young's residence quickly became the social hub for friends, university colleagues and even strangers alike. Frequent and notable visitors from around the area often visited the house. Although his military career took him across the globe, Young considered "Youngsholm" his sanctuary where he raised a family, mentored a successive generation of leaders, and found intellectual refuge. Even after his untimely death, "Youngsholm" would remain in the Young family for over another half century.
One part of the story at every national park site is the people who comprise the story. Here at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, you'll discover more about two of the main characters in this inspiring and dramatic story.
Charles Young overcame countless amounts of stifling obstacles throughout his life to earn the respect of his racial counterparts and peers. In doing so, he paved the way for future generations of African-Americans who would follow in his footsteps.
The African-American soldiers that made up the famed "Buffalo Soldiers" would serve in countless U.S. conflicts throughout their 80 year plus span as segregated regiments. Fighting for a country that marginalized who they were based on the color of their skin, these men would valiantly fight on for the honor, the respect and the dignity they deserved, on and off of the battlefield.
African Americans served in the U.S. Military during the Civil War and continued to serve afterwards. Many of these soldiers went on to fight in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. Although the pay was low, only $13 a month, many African Americans enlisted because they could earn more and be treated with more dignity than they often received in civilian life.
In 1866, Congress established six all-black regiments (consolidated to four shortly after) to help rebuild the country after the Civil War and to fight on the Western frontier during the "Indian Wars." It was from one of these regiments, the 10th Cavalry, that the nickname Buffalo Soldier was born. American Plains Indians who fought against these soldiers referred to the black cavalry troops as "buffalo soldiers" because of their dark, curly hair, which resembled a buffalo's coat and because of their fierce nature of fighting. The nickname soon became synonymous with all African-American regiments formed in 1866.
In addition to their military duties, the Buffalo Soldiers also served as some of the first care takers of the national parks. Between 1891 and 1913, the U.S. Army served as the official administrator of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. The soldiers were stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco during the winter months and then served in the Sierra during the summer months. While in the parks, soldier's duties included fighting wildfire, curbing poaching of the park's wildlife, ending illegal grazing of livestock on federal lands, and constructing roads, trail and other infrastructure. In 1903, Captain Charles Young led a company of Buffalo Soldiers in Sequoia and General Grant (now Sequoia and King's Canyon) National Parks. Young and his troops managed to complete more infrastructure improvements than those from the previous three years. They completed a road to the Giant Forest and a road to the base of Moro Rock. Their work on these new roads now allowed the public to access the mountain-top forest for the first time.
The Buffalo Soldier regiments went on to serve the U.S. Army with distinction and honor for nearly the next five decades. With the disbandment of the 27th Cavalry on December 12, 1951, the last of the storied Buffalo Soldiers regiments came to an end.
Contact the Park›
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 428
Wilberforce, OH 45384
(Link: https://www.nps.gov/chyo/index.htm)