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. He was born into slavery in 1864 but became a brave Buffalo Soldier and the first African-American colonel in the United States Army.
This monument is located in Wilberforce, Ohio. It is in a house that Charles Young bought in 1907. This house became a National Historic Landmark in 1974. Today, the National Park Service takes care of the monument. You can visit the house by making an appointment.
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About Charles Young's Historic Home
The Charles Young House is in a quiet, country area near Wilberforce. It is a unique brick building with two and a half stories. The roof has wide edges that hang over the sides.
A porch shaped like a "T" covers the front of the house. It has strong square posts holding it up. More parts of the house extend out the back, making the whole building look like a "T" from above.
The Life of Charles Young
Charles Young was born in Kentucky in 1864. At that time, many African Americans were forced into slavery. But Charles Young overcame many challenges.
He was the third African American to graduate from West Point, a famous military academy. He also became the first black superintendent of a U.S. national park. Later, he was the first African American military attaché, which means he represented the U.S. Army in other countries.
Charles Young was the highest-ranking black officer in the U.S. Army until he passed away in 1922. He also taught military science at Wilberforce University. During this time, he bought the house and called it "Youngsholm."
The house itself has a long history. It was built in 1832. People believe it was once a safe 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. This means it is a very important place protected by the National Park Service.
The house now works as a historic house museum. It has exhibits that tell the story of Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers were African-American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War.
A big project to fix up the house started in October 2021. This renovation lasted 15 months and finished in January 2023. The goal was to make the home look just like it did when Charles Young lived there.
More to Explore
- National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, another interesting place in Wilberforce
- List of national monuments of the United States, to learn about other special places
