Colonel Charles Young: A Legacy of Leadership and the Fort Des Moines Connection

Colonel Charles Young's military career is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of equality. As the third African American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the first to achieve the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army, Young broke barriers and set precedents that would inspire generations to come.

A Pioneering Military Career

Born into slavery in 1864 in Mays Lick, Kentucky, Young's early life was marked by adversity. After his father's escape to freedom and subsequent service in the Union Army, the family settled in Ripley, Ohio. Young excelled academically, graduating at the top of his high school class and later securing an appointment to West Point, where he graduated in 1889.

Throughout his career, Young served with distinction in various capacities:

• Buffalo Soldiers: Assigned to the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, Young demonstrated exceptional leadership on the Western

• Military Attaché: Young served as the first African American military attaché in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and later in Liberia, where he was instrumental in training the Liberian Frontier Force.

• National Parks Superintendent: In 1903, he became the first African American superintendent of a national park, overseeing Sequoia and General Grant National Parks in California.

The Fort Des Moines Connection

In 1917, as the United States prepared to enter World War I, the War Department established the Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School in Iowa, the first training facility for African American officers. Given his rank and experience, many expected Colonel Young to command this groundbreaking institution.

However, systemic racism within the military hierarchy led to Young being medically retired under the pretext of high blood pressure, despite his protests and a remarkable 497-mile horseback ride from Wilberforce, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., to prove his fitness for duty. His forced retirement denied him the opportunity to lead at Fort Des Moines, a position that was instead given to white officers.

Despite this setback, Young's influence was felt at Fort Des Moines. He visited the camp, offering guidance and inspiration to the African American cadets. His presence underscored the significance of the training school and the broader struggle for racial equality within the military.

Legacy and Recognition

Colonel Young's commitment to service and equality did not go unrecognized. In 1916, he was awarded the NAACP's Spingarn Medal for his achievements in Liberia and the U.S. Army. Posthumously, he was promoted to the honorary rank of brigadier general in 2022, acknowledging his contributions and the injustices he faced.

His legacy is preserved at the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce, Ohio, and through the countless African American officers who followed in his footsteps, many of whom began their journeys at Fort Des Moines.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

As we commemorate the unveiling of the Fort Des Moines Historic Marker, we reflect on the intertwined legacies of Colonel Charles Young and the pioneering officers trained at the facility. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of preserving our shared history.

Join us in honoring these trailblazers and ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.

📅 Fort Des Moines Historic Marker Unveiling

🗓️ Saturday, June 14, 2025

📍 Fort Des Moines Historic Site

📩 RSVP: https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/events-1/fort-des-moines-historic-marker-unveiling

Sources:

1. National Park Service (NPS) – Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monumenthttps://www.nps.gov/chyo

   • Provides comprehensive biographical information and legacy highlights of Charles Young, including his service as superintendent of Sequoia National Park and military attaché roles.

2. U.S. Department of Defense News Release (2022) – Posthumous Promotion of Charles Young to Brigadier Generalhttps://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2968946/

   • Official statement announcing his posthumous promotion and its historical significance.

3. Smithsonian Magazine – The Long Road to Recognizing Colonel Charles Younghttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/charles-young-black-west-point-graduate-buffalo-soldier-180977378/

   • A detailed narrative of Young’s career, setbacks, and advocacy, including his denied command at Fort Des Moines.

4. Library of Congress – African American Odyssey: World War I and Postwar Societyhttps://www.loc.gov/exhibits/african-american-odyssey/world-war-i-and-postwar-society.html

   • Provides historical context for Black military service in WWI and references Young’s contributions.

5. "History and Views of Fort Des Moines Officers Training Camp 1917" by John L. Thompson

   • This publication, authored by a Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Iowa, documents officer training at Fort Des Moines and makes reference to Charles Young’s involvement and influence.

6. PBS – "Black Officers at Fort Des Moines in World War I"https://www.iowapbs.org

   • Explores the establishment of the Fort Des Moines training camp and mentions the efforts of leaders like Young in advocating for Black officer training.