2024 Buffalo Soldiers Day Celebration

The Buffalo Soldiers watched over many national parks in the west.

NPS Photo

 

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, Wilberforce, Ohio

Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28

A Special Occasion

On July 28, the National Park Service celebrates Buffalo Soldiers Day to commemorate the formation of the first regular Army regiments comprised of African American soldiers in 1866. The Buffalo Soldiers had a unique role in the early management and stewardship of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. To celebrate their significance and honor their memory, the parks have designated July 28 as a fee-free day. The parks will also provide a range of special programs and a tree naming ceremony to commemorate the posthumous promotion and legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young, the first African American to serve as a National Park Service superintendent. Come join us in celebration on this special day!

Who Were the Buffalo Soldiers?

From 1861 to 1865, the American union was broken as brother fought brother in a Civil War that remains a defining moment in our nation's history. In 1866, the Buffalo Soldiers were established by Congress to help the nation rebuild in the aftermath of the war and to patrol areas of the West. Made up of six all-African American army regiments, the Buffalo Soldiers were tasked with managing select western national parks before the National Park Service was officially established. The Soldiers' work helped shape the national park system, and created a foundation for early park management and stewardship.

In 1903, Captain Charles Young and the 9th Cavalry Regiment (comprised of African American soldiers) were assigned to Sequoia and General Grant (now Kings Canyon) National Parks. Captain Young was the first African American to serve as a National Park Service superintendent. During this assignment, Captain Young and the Buffalo Soldiers made significant contributions to the parks, including constructing road and trails that are still in use today.

The Colonel Young Tree was dedicated in a private ceremony in the summer of 2004 in Sequoia National Park. Tall and proud, it stands watch over the Booker T. Washington Tree and Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest area. The park is honored to recognize the posthumous promotion of Charles Young to Brigadier General on November 1, 2021, a testament to his enduring impact and distinguished service.

Learn more about the accomplishments of Brigadier General Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers.

 

Captain Charles Young sitting in the front middle of the photograph surrounded by Buffalo Soldiers and the civilian road crew at Sequoia National Park in 1903.

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, Wilberforce, Ohio

Events

Below is a list of special offerings occurring in the parks on July 27 and July 28. Please visit our Event Calendar for more information.

Saturday, July 27

Special Presentation:
Charles Young and the Ninth Cavalry at Sequoia, 1903-1904

• Time: 8:30 pm
• Location: Lodgepole Campground Amphitheater

Kick off Buffalo Soldiers Day with a special 45-minute evening program presented by author, biographer, and historian Brian G. Shellum.

Mr. Shellum writes about African American and military history and has published several books about Buffalo Soldiers, including Black Cadet in a White Bastion: Charles Young at West Point (2006), Black Officer in a Buffalo Soldier Regiment: The Military Career of Charles Young (2010), and Buffalo Soldiers in California: Charles Young and the Ninth Cavalry, 1902-1904 (2024).

 

The Colonel Young Tree will be renamed in celebration of the posthumous promotion of Charles Young to brigadier general.

NPS / Kiel Maddox

Sunday, July 28

Featured Event:
Naming the Brigadier General Charles Young Tree

• Time: 10:00 am. Plan ahead: The event site is only accessible by riding the fare-free park shuttle from the Giant Forest Museum. Allow time to board and ride to the site.
• Location: Auto Log Parking Area along Crescent Meadow Road
  *This event site is only accessible by riding the fare-free park shuttle from the Giant Forest Museum.

The parks are honored to recognize the posthumous promotion of Charles Young to brigadier general. To celebrate, the Colonel Young Tree will be renamed to reflect Young's new rank in a 45-minute ceremony featuring various speakers.

At the end of the ceremony a new sign that recognizes the updated rank will be unveiled.

 

Buffalo Soldiers Day Ranger-led Programs

• Throughout the day
• Throughout the park

Join us in a park-wide celebration of Buffalo Soldiers Day! Events will be occurring throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and will include interpretive talks, guided walks, drop-in programs, site interpretations, interactive booths, and evening programs.

Stop by the nearest visitor center for details. The schedule will also be posted to the July 28 Event Calendar as details become available.