Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers

https://www.nps.gov/chyo/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Young_Buffalo_Soldiers_National_Monument The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument commemorates the life of Charles Young (1864-1922), an escaped slave who rose to become a Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army and its first African-American colonel. It is located on United States Route 42 in Wilberforce, Ohio, in a house purchased by Young in 1907 that was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974. The house is open by appointment for tours. Throughout his life, Charles Young overcame countless obstacles in his ascent to prominence. In spite of overt racism and stifling inequality, Young rose through the military ranks to become one of the most respected leaders of his time. A well-rounded man with a steadfast devotion to duty, Young led by example and inspired a generation of new leaders. "Youngsholm" is located in Wilberforce, Ohio near Wilberforce University. It is situated less than one mile west of the Wilberforce University and Central State University campuses on U.S. Route 42 at 1120 US Route 42 E. Youngsholm The Young family home, Youngsholm, has reopened after a multi-year restoration. Contact the park by email at chyo_info@nps.gov if you have questions or concerns. You can view the searchable park Calendar to see what events are planned or visit our social media pages to stay up-to-date on current park happenings. "Youngsholm" is located in Wilberforce, Ohio near Wilberforce University. It is situated less than one mile west of the Wilberforce University and Central State University campuses on U.S. Route 42 at 1120 US Route 42 E. Visit the park's website for additional directions and maps of the area. No Campgrounds No campgrounds available within the park. Youngsholm, June 2020 A large grey house with dark grey shutters with a green lawn out front under a blue sky The front of Youngsholm, the park's visitor center Charles Young House Boulder A large gray stone boulder with a bronze plaque on it indicating a national historical landmark The large stone boulder with Historic Plaque affixed to it, sits in the front yard of Youngsholm Charles Young Spingarn Award An African American man in a military uniform holding a sabre and wearing a cap sitting in a chair Charles Young poses for a portrait shortly before he was awarded the NAACP Spingarn Medal. Charles Young on his mount An African American man in a military uniform sitting high on a horse being saluted by a boy Charles Young poses for a portrait with one of his horses as he is saluted by a young, unidentified boy. Charles Young and family An african american family posing for a portrait with the mother standing behind the father and kids Charles Young (far right) poses with his family, Ada Young (standing rear), Charles Noel (far left), and Marie Aurelia (sitting middle). 24th Infantry in Philippine A long row of African American soldiers standing at attention The 24th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers while in the Philippines, c.1902 25th Infantry in Montana Several African American soldiers standing and sitting for a casual portrait Buffalo Soldiers of the 25th Infantry pose for a portrait near Fort Keough, Montana, c.1890. 9th Cavalry, K Troop African American soldiers sitting, kneeling and standing for a casual photo Troopers from the 9th Cav, K Troop posing for a group photo, c.1890. 10th Cavalry, Troop K on the move Several african american soldiers on horseback parading down a dirt road. Buffalo Soldiers of K Troop, 10th Cavalry on the move in Chickamauga, Ga., c.1898 Harlem Hellfighters Several African American soldiers waving while standing and sitting on a boat's deck Buffalo Soldiers of the 369th regiment, Harlem Hellfighters, returning home from France during WWI. Advancing in the jungle in the South Pacific Three African American soldiers holding rifles and walking amongst tall grass and brush Buffalo Soldiers of the 93rd Infantry advance cautiously in a jungle somewhere in the South Pacific, c.1945 11 Ways National Parks Influenced World War I (and vice versa) Uncover the hidden history of World War I in the national parks! A Renault tank and infantry move through a field The Buffalo Soldiers in WWI After years of fighting at home and abroad for a country that held mixed feelings for them, many expected the Buffalo Soldiers to be deployed to France in 1917 to help fight in WWI. However, the regular Army regiments of the Buffalo Soldiers would be found nowhere near France during WWI. Find out about the "other" Buffalo Soldiers who would take their place with the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Some would even train at Ohio's WWI Soldier Factory, Camp Sherman. Several men standing at attention in front of a building Charles Young's Letters Home Long before the internet, instagram or twitter, letter writing was the most effective way of communicating with friends and family in the early 21st century. Read the final letter home from Charles Young to his wife, Ada, and get a glimpse into the storied life of one of the most renowned Buffalo Soldiers. A young boy, a young girls and a female and male sit and stand for a family portrait. Ode for Memorial Day Throughout his life, Colonel Charles Young proved his dedication to the country and the U.S. Army despite the overt and egregious racism he dealt with on a regular basis. His military accomplishments are well-known, but not so well-known are his contributions to literature and the arts. Here we present a fine example of his writing skills, an inspiring and solem poem penned in 1907 to honor the country's veterans on Memorial Day. A bronze monument of a soldier on a horse under a blue sky. 10th Cavalry at Fort Larned Co. A of the 10th U.S. Cavalry was stationed at Fort Larned from April 1867 to January 1869. Although they served with dedication, their time at the fort was troubled by racial prejudice. Men on horseback in 19th century U.S. Army uniforms. National Park Getaway: Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Adventure, respect, dignity. These are just three of the reasons that thousands of African American men enlisted in the US Army shortly after the Civil War. At Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce, Ohio, the iconic stories of these intrepid men are forever protected so that their legacy and stories will be retold for countless generations to come. Two-story white house on a large lawn Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Cultural Landscape Charles and Ada Young purchased the property they called "Youngsholm" in 1907. In the early 1900s, Colonel Charles Young was a military leader of Buffalo Soldiers, a diplomat, and a social reformer. The features of the Youngsholm cultural landscape are associated with Colonel Young's life and the family's period of residence. They developed the property as a working farm landscape and a social setting by adding domestic landscape features and renovating buildings. Historic photo of a two story house with a man standing near the porch and trees in the lawn Volunteer Story: Marauder Battalion ROTC Cadets from the Marauder Battalion Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) are invaluable volunteers at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. In spring 2022, many of the Battalion's cadets will graduate and become United States Army Officers. The Marauder Battalion has a proud lineage dating back to the first military training program for African Americans built by General Charles Young.  A group of cadets standing in three rows looking at camera. Ohio's National Parks Learn about and explore the National Park Service sites in Ohio. The Buckeye State has eight NPS sites and additional sites that are bound to intrigue and amaze. But before you click on Ohio's NPS site links, be sure to decipher a special message that young William left for you. Jr ranger logo with soldier holding a rifle in center and outline of Ohio on top house in background Charles Young Unscramble Colonel Charles Young led an amazing life and was an inspirational hero to many during his days. 100 years after his death, his legacy continues to amaze and inspire. Test your Charles Young knowledge with this challenging word scramble based on significant moments in Colonel Young's history. An African American man with arms crossed wearing a flat hat with large gray house behind him Plan Like a Park Ranger: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers NM Need some help in planning your visit? We've got you covered! Plan like a park ranger and check out the park's Top Ten Tips when visiting Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. A large gray, 2-story house with wide front porch & several windows on both levels and a peaked roof Event Recap - Stories of Service: Empowering Youth and Young Adults to Be the Future Face of Volunteering in National Parks The National Park Service Youth Programs Division co-hosted a virtual event, “Stories of Service: Empowering Youth and Young Adults to Be the Future Face of Volunteering in National Parks” on November 10, 2021 with the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks Program (VIP) in partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF). A diverse panel shared their stories of volunteering in parks and the impacts these experiences have had on them. Screenshot of speakers and panelists from Nov. 10 Volunteers Event 100th Commemoration of the Life and Legacy of Colonel Charles Young On Saturday, January 8th, 2022, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument (CHYO) hosted a special event to honor the life and legacy of Colonel Charles Young on the 100th anniversary of his passing. The event took place at the Robeson Auditorium on the Central State University campus and was attended by several prominent figures from the community, as well as military dignitaries from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Ten men in suits and military uniforms stand shoulder to shoulder in a line. Things to Do in Ohio Find things to do, trip ideas, and more in Ohio. Steam fog lifts up from grass-covered mounds surrounded by trees. Forming the Buffalo Soldier Regiments On June 28, 1866, the U.S. Congress passed a law that created the Buffalo Soldier regiments. The original Buffalo Soldier Regiments were the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry, Thirty-eighth, Thirty-ninth, Fortieth and Forty-first Infantry. African American soldiers on horseback in military uniforms of the 1890s Executive Order 9981, Desegregating the Military On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which mandated the integration of the U.S. armed services and led to the dissolution of the Buffalo Soldiers and other segregated units. Black and white photo of 4 soldiers during the Korean War. 2 Black and 2 White. Series: Things to Do in the Midwest There is something for everyone in the Midwest. See what makes the Great Plains great. Dip your toes in the continent's inland seas. Learn about Native American heritage and history. Paddle miles of scenic rivers and waterways. Explore the homes of former presidents. From the Civil War to Civil Rights, discover the stories that shape our journey as a nation. Steep bluff with pink sky above and yellow leaves below. Black Seminole Indian Scouts Black Seminoles were descendants of self-emancipated formerly enslaved people from Coastal Carolina and Georgia who partially assimilated with the Seminole people of Florida. In 1870 a group of Black Seminoles who had migrated to Texas from Mexico formed the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts. They scouted for the U.S. Army on the Texas frontier. Four Black Seminoles received the Medal of Honor. Photo of Black Seminole Indian Scouts standing should to shoulder in two rows Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Davis Fort Davis, in Texas, and the all-Black Buffalo Soldiers played important roles on the Texas frontier. Various groups of Buffalo Soldiers called Fort Davis home for almost 20 years, from 1867 to 1885. Today Fort Davis is a national historic site under the aegis of the National Park Service. Color photograph of Officers Row and white flag pole with American Flag waving Who Are They? Men in the 369th Infantry Iconic Photo The 369th Infantry Regiment was the most famous all-Black regiment of World War I. There are many photos of the 369th Infantry, but few have captions naming the men. Learn about the nine men of the 369th in this iconic World War I photo. Black and White photo of 9 African American soldiers returning from World War One 761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers Seven decades before the superhero Black Panther made his big screen debut, the original Black Panthers of the 761st Tank Battalion were roaring through Europe, battling Axis forces through Germany under the command of General George S. Patton. Photo of a tank in the background with men sitting atop and two patches on top Buffalo Soldiers in Alaska Arriving in May of 1899, the men of Company L, 24th Infantry, United States Army served their country from northern Lynn Canal. These Buffalo Soldiers fought a war on two fronts: protecting the community of Skagway while facing discrimination from the same people they served. Black and white photo of African Americans standing in formation wearing 1890s military uniforms. Buffalo Soldiers at Hawai'i Volcanoes Between 1915 and 1917, six companies of the 25th Infantry were present in what is now Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. In that time, they assisted in investigations of a lava lake at Halemaʻumaʻu, were among the first soldiers to visit Kilauea Military Camp, and constructed the precursor to the modern day Mauna Loa Trail, which still exists today. African Americans clearing a rocky trail in Hawai'i Buffalo Soldiers in the Spanish-American War The Buffalo Soldiers played a key role during the Spanish-American War. The war lasted only a few months and was known as “The Splendid Little War.” Five Buffalo Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions in Cuba during the war. African American veterans posing in a large group for the photo Charles Young and the 9th Ohio Battalion during the Spanish-American War Charles Young commanded the Ninth Ohio Battalion for 10 months from May 1898 until February 1899. During this time, the Ninth Ohio trained in Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. They never saw combat during the Spanish-American War. African American soldiers in skirmish drill with rifles to their shoulders. Charles Young and the Ninth Cavalry in Sequoia National Park Captain Charles Young and members of the Ninth Cavalry spent the summer of 1903 in Sequoia and General Grant national parks. Captain Young was the first African American superintendent of a national park. Young and the Ninth Cavalry accomplished more that summer than the army units that served there during the previous three summers combined. Black and White photo of a large group of men standing in three rows Charles Young Teaching at Wilberforce University Charles Young created the military science and tactics program at Wilberforce University when he took over the post from his friend and mentor John Hanks Alexander after Alexander’s death. The program prospered during the four years Young was in charge. It was the first program of its kind in the country for African American students. Black and white photo of African American army cadets in uniform standing in formation. Charles Young and the Tenth Cavalry during the Punitive Expedition After returning from Liberia, Charles Young was assigned to the Tenth Cavalry in Arizona. He participated in the Mexican Punitive Expedition from March 1916 until February 1917 with the Tenth Cavalry. He was a squadron leader and briefly led the Tenth Cavalry, making him the first African American to lead the regiment. Black and white photo of African American man standing in a muddy pasture. Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Concho Fort Concho was established in 1867 in west Texas. It served as the regimental headquarters of Tenth Cavalry from 1875 to 1882. Today the fort is preserved as Historic Fort Concho and is a national historic landmark. Black and White photograph of Buffalo Soldiers in military uniform on horseback Charles Young’s Early Life: 1864 to 1884 Charles Young was born enslaved in 1864. His parents self-emancipated with him as an infant and eventually settled in Ripley, Ohio. Ripley was a very progressive area at the time. Young received a good education and became a teacher before accepting his appointment to West Point in 1884. Photo collage of four pictures of Charles Young and his parents on a black background Charles Young and the Ninth Cavalry during the Philippine-American War Charles Young’s first overseas deployment in a combat zone happened during the Philippine-American War. He successfully led I Troop, Ninth Cavalry, through numerous engagements and performed well under fire without losing a man to the enemy during this tour of duty. Young and I Troop returned to the United States on October 31, 1902. Black and white photo of four rows of African American soldiers in uniform. 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the first and only mostly all-Black (they had members of Caribbean and Mexican decent) female unit to be deployed overseas during WWII. Their nickname was “Six-Triple Eight” and their motto was “No Mail, Low Morale.” The unit sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians in Europe. On February 28, 2022, the 6888th were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Black and white photo of 2 African American women officers inspect African American women soldiers Staff Spotlight: Mykel King Meet Mykel King, a Park Guide at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument! Mykel King in uniform Charles Young's First Tour in Liberia Charles Young served as a military attaché in Liberia from 1912 to 1915. During his time, he reorganized the Liberian Liberation Force, built a road from Monrovia, Liberia into the hinterland and mapped the country. He was awarded the NAACP Spingarn Medal in 1916 for his work and accomplishments in Liberia. Black and white photo of group of African Americans standing in two rows shoulder to shoulder Charles Young's Medical Retirement and Protest Ride Charles Young was medically retired from the army in 1917. He felt he was still able to lead troops in World War One. He rode his horse from Wilberforce, OH to Washington, DC to prove to the Army brass he was fit for duty. At the end of World War One he served as commander of Camp Grant, IL, an all-Black training facility, never seeing the battlefields of Europe. Black and white photo of African American Army officer walking downstairs passing a white Officer Buffalo Soldiers and Baseball The Buffalo Soldiers played baseball from Alaska to Hawaii and everywhere in between. Baseball was a welcome diversion from the monotony of camp life. It also gave the Buffalo Soldiers an opportunity to connect with local communities through playing area teams. Discover the role Buffalo Soldiers played throughout baseball’s history. Sepia toned photograph of African American men sitting in 3 rows on steps The Twenty-Fifth Infantry Bicycle Corps In 1896, the Twenty-Fifth Infantry Bicycle Corps was authorized to test the use of bicycles to transport soldiers. They made several experimental rides including one through Yellowstone National Park. In 1897, they made their longest experimental ride from Fort Missoula, Montana to St. Louis Missouri. African American men in military uniforms on bicycles in two lines From Buffalo Soldier to Bath Attendant: The Story of Hugh Hayes and Hot Springs National Park Learn about the life of Hugh Hayes, an African American man from Tennessee, and how his life as a Buffalo Soldier and bath attendant at Hot Springs National Park connected him to significant moments in American history. African American man wearing a white shirt and tie sits in a wooden chair African American Army Nurses in World War II During World War II, women served closer to the frontlines than ever before. African American nurses were prominent figures that helped treat Black soldiers and Prisoners of War. They faced racial discrimination at home and abroad but persevered to give their all. Black nurses in the Army Nurse Corps were spread out around the globe, including England, Liberia, Guam, and Australia. The lives they positively impacted are innumerable. Black and white photo of three nurses in WWII uniform working around a Black man in a hospital bed. Buffalo Soldiers and the Olympics Some African American Olympians went on to serve in the Army. Ralph Metcalf and John Woodruff competed and won medals as members of the U.S. Olympic Team. They then enlisted in the Army during World War II and were assigned to Buffalo Soldier regiments. Three Olympic athletes crouched down, prepared to have a foot race.

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Colonel Charles Young Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument As a soldier, diplomat, and civil rights leader, Charles Young overcame stifling inequality to become a leading figure in the years after the Civil War when the United States emerged as a world power. His work ethic, academic leadership, and devotion to duty provided a strong base for his achievements in the face of racism and oppression. His long and distinguished career as a commissioned officer in the United States Army made him a popular figure of his time and a role model for generations of new leaders. With the colored officer, social equality is a small thing, hut social equality means much. He is working for bigger things in life. Portrait of Colonel Charles Young, July 1919 Taken from personal notes by Charles Young, c. 1918, Coleman Collection Childhood: From Enslavement to Freedom Young was born to enslaved parents in 1864 in Mays Lick, Kentucky. After his birth, his father, Gabriel, would eventually escape enslavement and join the 5 th Regiment, U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in February, 1865 in Ohio. Shortly after the war, young Charles and his parents moved to Ripley, Ohio, where they sought a new life in the Ohio River town. He thrived there and at age 17, graduated with academic honors from his integrated high school class in 1881. After high school, Young taught at the AfricanAmerican elementary school and continued his education under the tutelage of African-American abolitionist John Parker. He also would complete college coursework at Xavier University in Cincinnati. West Point I Cadet Young poses for portrait, c. 1888 a class In 1883, Young took the entrance exam to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He tallied the second best score among those who tested. The following year he gained entry to the Military Academy. On June 10th, 1884, Charles Young became the ninth African American to attend West Point. He faced constant racial insults and social isolation from fellow cadets, as well as from instructors who all resented his presence there. Despite these impediments to his progress. Young would persevere and become only the third African American to graduate from West Point, at that time. His accomplishments became a source of pride for all African Americans. A Lifetime of Remarkable Military Service Soldiers of the 9th Battalion, Ohio Volunteer Infantry under the command of Charles Young, standing at attention, c. 1898 Buffalo Soldier In 1866, Congress established six all-black Young protested as he had already purchased oGn^ iMi i. rf Jv .ml .o^ nl I tl Civil War and to patrol the remote western frontier during the "Indian Wars." Although the pay was low for the time, 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. According to legend, American Indians called the black cavalry troops "buffalo soldiers" because their dark, curly hair resembled a buffalo's mane and because they fought with fierce bravery and a fighting spirit similar to that of the buffalo. African-American troops accepted the name with pride and honor. Because of an assignment mix-up, Young would have to wait three months after graduating from West Point before joining his new troop. Originally assigned to join the 25 th Infantry, -f^\r .«. inn ji / - i i n..._ a> ~ i-^wsslrw j iirsit ~1 Eventually, the newly-commissioned 2 nd Lieutenant joined the 9 th Cavalry at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. After a year, marked by constant isolation and hostility, Young was transferred to Fort Duchesne, Utah, where the command and fellow officers proved more welcoming. Here, Young mentored Sergeant Major Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. who later became the first African American t o attain the rank of General. Between 1889 and 1907 Young served in western posts and rose to the rank of captain. He also taught military science, served as a military attache, and fought with distinction during the Philippine-American War, winning the praise of his commanders for his troops' courage and decorum in and out of combat. In 1903, Young was assigned t o protect Sequoia and Genera! Grant 'now Kirv^s Cam'on National Park) National Parks. In doing so, he became the first African-American Superintendent of a national park. Young directed his Buffalo Soldiers to blaze early park trails, build roads, produce maps, drive out trespassing livestock, extinguish fires, monitor tourists, and keep poachers and loggers at bay. Charles Young became the highest ranking African-American officer serving in the Regular Army until his death in 1922. His career is marked by the challenges military leadership faced in dealing with the rising star of an African-American officer within the existing racial constraints of the military and society. Like the Buffalo Soldiers he led. Young embraced the opportunities provided b