Wilberforce in Greene County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Colonel Charles Young House
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
— National Historic Landmark —
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 20, 2013
1. Colonel Charles Young House Marker
This building possesses national significance as the home of Colonel Charles Young (1864-1922). Third black graduated of West Point, Professor of Military Science at Wilberforce, first African American Military Attache, first African American Superintendent of National Parks, and highest ranking black line officer from 1894-1922.
Erected 1974 by National Park Service-United States Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Buffalo Soldiers, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists.
Location. 39° 42.433′ N, 83° 53.417′ W. Marker is in Wilberforce, Ohio, in Greene County. Marker is on U.S. 42 west of Wilberforce-Clifton Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1120 US Route 42, Wilberforce OH 45384, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Charles Young (within shouting distance of this marker); Payne Theological Seminary (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lt. Charles Young at Wilberforce University
this page online
More about this marker. Former marker at this site:
Front Text: Charles Young
Born enslaved March 12, 1864, Charles Young was the highest-ranking African American line officer most of his career. He became the third Black graduate of West Point in 1889 and the last until 1936. Young served with the 9th and 10th Calvary “Buffalo Soldiers” and as Professor of Military Science at Wilberforce University. During the Spanish American War Young commanded the 9th Battalion Ohio Volunteer (Colored) Infantry and later led 9th Calvary troops in combat in the Philippines. The first African American national park superintendent, Young supervised the building of roads for public access to Sequoia
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 20, 2013
2. Colonel Charles Young House Marker
Distant shot of the marker showing the left side of the house
Back Text: Charles Young
(continued from other side)
Young commanded troops in the Mexican Punitive Expedition and was recommended for promotion and a command in Europe during World War I. Instead, he was involuntarily retired. President Wilson believed some White officers would refuse to serve under a Black commander. Young was classified unfit for medical reasons though Army doctors recommended he be permitted to serve. To prove his fitness Young rode horseback from Wilberforce to Washington, but was reinstated too late to be promoted the first Black general or to command troops in Europe. Sent back to Africa, Young died in Nigeria January 8, 1922, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. American Legion posts across the country were named in his honor. Among the men Young mentored was Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., the first Black general. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity purchased and rehabilitated the home of their revered brother.
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 20, 2013
3. Colonel Charles Young House Marker
On March 25, 2013, the house was made a National Monument under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 20, 2013
4. Colonel Charles Young House Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 20, 2013
5. Colonel Charles Young House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,008 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 14, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
