Near Wilberforce in Greene County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
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 and General Grant national parks and protected the natural wonders there. The first Black military attache, Young served in Haiti and Liberia. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People awarded Young its highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, for his accomplishments in Liberia.
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.
Erected 2011 by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 24- 29.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, Spanish-American • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Buffalo Soldiers, the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant, the Former U.S. Presidents: #28 Woodrow Wilson, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists.
Location. 39° 42.421′ N, 83° 53.426′ W. Marker is near Wilberforce, Ohio, in Greene County. Marker is on U.S. 42, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at the Charles Young house, southwest of Wilberforce, Ohio. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1120 Rt US 42 E, Xenia, Ohio, Xenia OH 45385, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonel Charles Young House (within shouting distance of this marker); Payne Theological Seminary (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lt. Charles Young at Wilberforce University (approx. 0.7 miles away); Wilberforce University / Distinguished Wilberforceans (approx. 0.7 miles away); Central State University (approx. 0.8 miles away); Old Wilberforce University Campus at Tawawa Springs (approx. 0.8 miles away); Galloway Hall (approx. 0.8 miles away); Brigadier General Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr. (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilberforce.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 405 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 24, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.