
A Triumph of Tragedy: The Life of Charles Young
The official introductory film of The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. Charles Young (1864-1922) was born into slavery in Kentucky in 1864. He was the third African American graduate of West Point, the first black U.S. national park superintendent, the first African American military attaché, and the highest ranking black officer in the United States Army until his death in 1922. He also taught military science at Wilberforce University, during which time he purchased the house in 1907, which he called "Youngsholm". The house was built in 1832, and is reported to have served as a way station on the Underground Railroad. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 to commemorate the life of Charles Young, and is administered by the National Park Service. It is located in Wilberforce, Ohio.