Charles Young: A Trailblazer in Conservation and Leadership
The third in a series of Trailblazers - Legends of the Outdoors
When we think of the early stewards of America’s public lands, names like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt often come to mind. But among these conservation giants stands another figure whose contributions to the outdoors and national parks deserve greater recognition: Charles Young. A soldier, scholar, and pioneering leader, Young’s role in shaping and protecting public lands—particularly as the first Black superintendent of a national park—is a story of resilience, dedication, and vision.
Rising Against the Odds
Born into slavery in 1864, Charles Young overcame formidable barriers to become one of the most accomplished men of his time. He was only the third African American to graduate from West Point, enduring relentless racism throughout his time there. Despite these challenges, he went on to have a distinguished military career, serving in the Buffalo Soldiers, the all-Black regiments of the U.S. Army that played a crucial role in the westward expansion and protection of national parks.
Charles Young, 1903. (From Wikipedia, photographer unidentified)
Guardian of Sequoia National Park
In 1903, Captain Charles Young was assigned to oversee Sequoia and General Grant National Parks (now part of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks). At the time, the U.S. Army was responsible for protecting several national parks before the National Park Service was formally established in 1916. As acting superintendent, Young and his regiment worked tirelessly to build roads, maintain trails, and prevent illegal grazing and logging, laying the groundwork for the park’s future preservation.
Under Young’s leadership, more infrastructure was completed in one summer than in the previous three years combined. His efforts not only improved access to these majestic landscapes but also set a standard for conservation leadership. His time at Sequoia was brief, yet his legacy endures in every path that winds through the towering sequoias he fought to protect.
A Lasting Influence
Young’s impact on conservation extends beyond his time in Sequoia. His ability to navigate the dual challenges of military service and racial prejudice while advocating for the land he was entrusted with speaks to his remarkable character. His tenure as superintendent demonstrated that stewardship of natural resources was not only a duty but a calling—one that demanded respect for both the land and the people entrusted to protect it.
Though Charles Young passed away in 1922, his contributions are increasingly recognized today. His former home in Ohio is now the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, ensuring that his story continues to inspire future generations of conservationists and leaders.
Honoring Young’s Legacy
To walk through Sequoia National Park today is to follow in the footsteps of Charles Young. His dedication to preserving the wilderness remains a testament to the power of leadership, perseverance, and the belief that public lands belong to all people. In an era when national parks were largely inaccessible to people of color, Young’s role as a protector of these lands carries even deeper significance.
His story is not just one of history but of ongoing relevance. As we strive for more inclusive outdoor spaces and recognize the contributions of unsung heroes, Charles Young’s legacy reminds us that the fight for access, protection, and stewardship of our natural spaces is far from over.
The next time you stand beneath the towering sequoias, take a moment to honor the man who once walked those same trails, ensuring they would stand for generations to come.
Enjoying learning more about these trailblazers of the great outdoors? Check out the previous installments in this series: