Introduction
Charles Rochester Young may not be a familiar name to most people, but he was an important figure in American history. Born in 1864, Young was the third African American to graduate from West Point Military Academy and became the first African American to achieve the rank of colonel in the United States Army. In this blog post, we will explore nine fascinating facts about this accomplished man.
Fact 1: Young was born to parents who were former slaves
Charles Rochester Young was born on March 12, 1864, in Mays Lick, Kentucky. His parents, Gabriel and Arminta Young, were both former slaves, and his father fought in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Fact 2: Young graduated in the top 10% of his class at West Point
Young graduated from West Point in 1889, ranking ninth out of 46 cadets. He was the third African American to graduate from the academy, following Henry O. Flipper and John H. Alexander.
Fact 3: Young served in several military campaigns
Young served in several military campaigns during his career, including the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and the Mexican Expedition. He was also a military attaché in Liberia, a position that allowed him to study African cultures and languages.
Fact 4: Young was a gifted musician
In addition to his military career, Young was a gifted musician. He played several instruments, including the violin, mandolin, banjo, and guitar. He also wrote music and poetry, and his compositions were published in several magazines.
Fact 5: Young faced discrimination within the Army
Despite his achievements, Young faced discrimination within the Army because of his race. He was often assigned to command all-black units and was denied promotion to the rank of general, which was customary for officers of his rank and experience.
Fact 6: Young was a skilled horseman
Young was a skilled horseman and became known for his expertise in training horses for military use. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Remount Service, which was responsible for procuring and training horses for the Army.
Fact 7: Young was a strong advocate for education
Young was a strong advocate for education and believed that African Americans needed access to quality education to overcome the effects of slavery and discrimination. He encouraged his soldiers to continue their education and earned a master’s degree in military science from Wilberforce University in 1903.
Fact 8: Young was forced to retire because of his health
Young’s health began to deteriorate in the early 1900s because of high blood pressure and other health problems. He was forced to retire from the Army in 1917, at the age of 52.
Fact 9: Young’s legacy is celebrated today
Today, Young’s legacy is celebrated in several ways. In 2013, the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument was established in Wilberforce, Ohio, to honor his contributions to the Army and African American history. He is also remembered through several scholarships and memorial funds in his name.
Conclusion
Charles Rochester Young was a remarkable man who overcame significant obstacles to achieve success in his military and personal life. He left an enduring legacy as an advocate for education, a skilled horseman, and a pioneer for African Americans in the military.
FAQs
Q1: When was Charles Rochester Young born?
A1: Charles Rochester Young was born on March 12, 1864, in Mays Lick, Kentucky.
Q2: What is Young’s most significant accomplishment?
A2: Young’s most significant accomplishment was becoming the third African American to graduate from West Point Military Academy and the first African American to achieve the rank of colonel in the United States Army.
Q3: What military campaigns did Young serve in?
A3: Young served in several military campaigns, including the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and the Mexican Expedition.
Q4: Why was Young denied promotion to the rank of general?
A4: Young was denied promotion to the rank of general because of his race, despite his experience and achievements.
Q5: How is Young’s legacy celebrated today?
A5: Young’s legacy is celebrated through the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, several scholarships and memorial funds in his name, and his contributions to African American history.