Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument facts for kids
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Col. Charles Young House
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Front and side of the house
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Columbus Pike between Clifton and Stevenson Rds., Wilberforce, Ohio |
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| Area | 59.65 acres (24.14 ha) |
| Built | 1839 |
| Website | Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001506 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | May 30, 1974 |
The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is a special place in the United States. It honors the amazing life of Charles Young (1864-1922). He was born into slavery but became a brave Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army. He was also the first African-American colonel in the army.
This monument is located in Wilberforce, Ohio. It is in the house Charles Young bought in 1907. This house became a National Historic Landmark in 1974. The National Park Service takes care of the monument. You can visit the house by making an appointment.
About Charles Young's Home
The Charles Young House is in a quiet, country area near Wilberforce. It is a unique brick building with 2.5 stories. It has a sloped roof with wide edges. A T-shaped porch sits across the front of the house. It is held up by strong square posts. Several parts extend from the back, making the building look like a "T."
Who Was Charles Young?
Charles Young was born in Kentucky in 1864. At that time, many African Americans were enslaved. He was the third African American person to graduate from West Point. This is a very famous military school.
Young made history in many ways:
- He was the first black U.S. national park superintendent.
- He was the first African American military attaché. This means he was a military expert sent to another country.
- He was the highest-ranking black officer in the United States Army until he passed away in 1922.
He also taught military science at Wilberforce University. While teaching there, he bought this house. He called his home "Youngsholm." The house was built in 1832. People believe it was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
Becoming a National Monument
On March 25, 2013, President Barack Obama made the house a national monument. He used the Antiquities Act to do this. Now, it is called the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. It is part of the National Park Service.
Today, the house is a museum. It has exhibits about Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers. You can visit it by making an appointment.
