Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
Image credit: picture by RuggyBearLA licenced under Attribution License.

The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is located in Wilberforce, Ohio, on the campus of Central State University. It spans 59 acres and serves as a tribute to Colonel Charles Young, the third African American graduate of West Point and the first African American national park superintendent.

The historical background of the monument stems from the historic Buffalo Soldiers, African American soldiers who served in the western frontier after the Civil War. These soldiers played a significant role in settling the American West and protecting national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia. Colonel Charles Young was a highly respected Buffalo Soldier who served with distinction in the military and became a prominent figure in American history.

Visitors to the monument can explore various attractions and things to do. They can start by visiting the visitor center, which provides information about Colonel Young's life and his accomplishments. The center also includes exhibits that depict the Buffalo Soldiers' history, their contributions, and challenges they faced.

The main attraction of the monument is the Charles Young House. It was the home of Colonel Young and his family and is now preserved as a museum. Visitors can take guided tours of the house to learn about Young's personal life, his military achievements, and his advocacy for civil rights.

Additionally, the monument offers hiking trails that traverse the surrounding area, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty. These trails provide an opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of the region and explore the landscape that Colonel Young himself would have appreciated while leading the Buffalo Soldiers.

Within a short distance from the monument, visitors can explore other notable attractions. Nearby Dayton, Ohio, offers a range of cultural and historical destinations, such as the National Museum of the United States Air Force and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.

In summary, the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Ohio commemorates the legacy of Colonel Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers. With its historic significance, comprehensive visitor center, the Charles Young House museum, and scenic trails, the monument offers a unique opportunity to learn about African American history and the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Location

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is located in the serene and picturesque state of Ohio. Situated in rural Wilberforce, near Xenia, the monument is nestled within the heart of the state's Greene County. This historically rich area offers visitors a breathtaking natural landscape with rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering streams. As part of the Midwest region, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and crisp, colorful autumns. Surrounded by idyllic countryside, the monument provides an escape from the bustling city life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while learning about the invaluable contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Address & Contact

1120 U.S. Route 42 E
Wilberforce, OH 45384
Driving Directions
Phone: 9373526757
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument would be during the months of May, June, and July. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 74°F to 83°F, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 54°F to 65°F. The average monthly precipitation during this time is around 4 inches, which is relatively moderate compared to other months. These months offer the most pleasant and suitable weather conditions for outdoor activities at the monument.

Things to do and learn in Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument are: Food Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Self-Guided Tours - Auto Dining

Topics

Learn about these topics at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument: Military US Army African American Heritage Infantry and Militia Wars and Conflicts Cavalry Indian and Frontier Wars

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Youngsholm

The Young family home, Youngsholm, has reopened after a multi-year restoration. Contact the park by email at chyo_info@nps.gov if you have questions or concerns. You can view the park calendar to see what events are planned or visit our social media pages to stay up-to-date on current park happenings.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Youngsholm.

Campsites within or near Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

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Homewood Suites by Hilton Dayton-Fairborn (Wright Patterson)

With a stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Dayton-Fairborn (Wright Patterson) in Fairborn, you'll be in the business district, just a 5-minute walk from Wright State University and 12 minutes by foot from WSU Nutter Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Fairborn? This aparthotel has facilities measuring 799 square feet (74 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2750 Presidential Dr, Fairborn, Ohio 45324
Web: Link

Red Roof Inn Dayton - Fairborn/Nutter Center

With a stay at Red Roof Inn Dayton - Fairborn/Nutter Center in Fairborn, you'll be in a shopping district, just a 5-minute walk from Wright State University and 6 minutes by foot from WSU Nutter Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2580 Colonel Glenn Highway, I-675 at Exit #17/North Fairfield Rd, Fairborn, Ohio 45324
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Dayton Fairborn

With a stay at Hampton Inn Dayton Fairborn in Fairborn, you'll be in the business district, just a 3-minute walk from Wright State University and 10 minutes by foot from WSU Nutter Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2550 Paramount Pl, Fairborn, Ohio 45324
Web: Link

Residence Inn by Marriott Dayton Beavercreek

When you stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Dayton Beavercreek in Beavercreek, you'll be in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Mall at Fairfield Commons and Wright State University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2779 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Dayton Beavercreek

With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Dayton Beavercreek in Beavercreek, you'll be in the business district, just a 5-minute walk from Mall at Fairfield Commons and 10 minutes by foot from Soin Medical Center - Kettering Health Network. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Beavercreek? This hotel has facilities measuring 675 square feet (61 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2777 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
Web: Link

Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Beavercreek

With a stay at Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Beavercreek in Fairborn, you'll be in the business district, a 5-minute walk from Soin Medical Center - Kettering Health Network and a 3-minute drive from Mall at Fairfield Commons. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Fairborn? This hotel has facilities measuring 10000 square feet (900 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3520 Pentagon Park Blvd, Fairborn, Ohio 45431
Web: Link

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dayton Beavercreek

With a stay at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dayton Beavercreek in Beavercreek, you'll be in a shopping district, just a 5-minute walk from Mall at Fairfield Commons and 14 minutes by foot from Soin Medical Center - Kettering Health Network. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2663 Fairfield Commons Drive, Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Xenia Dayton

Located in Xenia, Hampton Inn & Suites Xenia Dayton is a 4-minute drive from Xenia Area Community Theater and 7 minutes from Greene Memorial Hospital - Kettering Health Network. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Xenia? This hotel has 676 square feet (63 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 194 S Progress Dr, Xenia, Ohio 45385
Web: Link

Home2 Suites by Hilton Dayton/Beavercreek

With a stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Dayton/Beavercreek in Beavercreek, you'll be a 4-minute walk from Mall at Fairfield Commons and 15 minutes by foot from Soin Medical Center - Kettering Health Network. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2667 Fairfield Commons Drive, Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Dayton East Beavercreek, an IHG H

Located in Beavercreek, Holiday Inn Express And Suites Dayton East Beavercreek, an IHG Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of Soin Medical Center - Kettering Health Network and Mall at Fairfield Commons. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2417 Esquire Drive, Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2025-02-03Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Announces Adjusted Hours of Operation
The historic home and museum at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument will resume its regular operating hours on Friday, January 31, 2025. Operations will run five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. More
2024-11-03Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Winter Visitor Hours
The historic home and museum at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument will shift to winter hours closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays starting November 8, 2024. The home and museum will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday. The museum includes exhibits on the life and legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young, the third African American graduate of West Point and the highest-ranking African American officer in the U.S. Army until his death in 1922, and the Buffalo Soldiers from 1866 through the Korean War. More
2024-06-17Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Announces Temporary Visitor Hours
The historic home and museum at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument will be temporarily closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, starting July 1, 2024. The home and museum will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The museum includes exhibits on the life and legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young, the third African American graduate of West Point and the highest-ranking African American officer in the U.S. Army until his death in 1922, and the Buffalo Soldiers from 1866 through the Korean War. More
2024-04-10Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Historic Home Reopening April 15, 2024
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is proud to announce the reopening of the historic Young family home on Monday, April 15, 2024, after completing an over two-year $3.1 million dollar restoration. More
2024-03-12Special Event Honors 160th Birthday of General Charles Young
On Saturday, March 9th, 2024, the park celebrated the 160th anniversary of Brigadier General Charles Young's birth at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center with friends and partners. The park also presented this year's Trailblazer Award during the event. More
2023-10-17Temporary Pause of In-Person Services at the Park
Beginning Friday, October 27th, in-person visitor services will end at the Payne Theological Seminary Library. The temporary pause of in-person visitor services will remain in effect until renovations to the Young home are complete. More