A large grey house with dark grey shutters with a green lawn out front under a blue sky
The front of Youngsholm, the park's visitor center NPS / Tom Engberg

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

National Monument · Ohio · National Park Service

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is a National Park Service site in Wilberforce, Ohio, dedicated to the life of Charles Young and to the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. The National Park Service describes Young as a man who, in the face of overt racism and stifling inequality, rose through the military ranks to become one of the most respected leaders of his time, noting his steadfast devotion to duty and his influence on a generation of new leaders.

The monument centers on Young's home and draws visitors interested in African American heritage and military history, including the histories of infantry and militia units, cavalry regiments, the US Army, and the Indian and Frontier Wars. Activities include guided tours, self-guided walking and auto tours, a park film, and a Junior Ranger Program, making it suited to both casual visitors and those researching this history in depth.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
9373526757
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

On the ground

The centerpiece of the monument is Youngsholm, the Young family home, which has reopened after a multi-year restoration. A large stone boulder bearing a bronze historic plaque sits in the front yard of Youngsholm, marking the site's designation. Visitors can walk the grounds and view the house much as the Young family would have known it.

The park lies in a humid continental zone with a generally temperate climate. Winters are mildly cold with average temperatures around 29 degrees (F), while summers are hot and humid with an average temperature around 74 degrees (F). Average annual total rainfall is just under 40", and snowfall in the winter is generally light with an average total snowfall of about 22".

Photos

  • A large gray stone boulder with a bronze plaque on it indicating a national historical landmark
    NPS / Tom Engberg
  • An African American man in a military uniform holding a sabre and wearing a cap sitting in a chair
    National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
  • An African American man in a military uniform sitting high on a horse being saluted by a boy
    National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
  • An african american family posing for a portrait with the mother standing behind the father and kids
    National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
  • A long row of African American soldiers standing at attention
    U.S. Army
  • Several African American soldiers standing and sitting for a casual portrait
    Library of Congress
  • African American soldiers sitting, kneeling and standing for a casual photo
    U.S. Army
  • Several african american soldiers on horseback parading down a dirt road.
    Library of Congress

Practical notes

The park grounds are accessible sunrise to sunset every day. Youngsholm itself keeps more limited hours, open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, and closed Monday through Thursday. The park can be reached by phone at 9373526757 or by email at chyo_info@nps.gov with questions or concerns. Youngsholm is located in Wilberforce, Ohio, less than one mile west of the Wilberforce University and Central State University campuses, at 1120 U.S. Route 42 E.

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Sources: National Park Service, OpenStreetMap contributors, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12