Buffalo Soldiers Day Celebration 2024

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 played a unique role in the management and stewardship of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. To celebrate their significance and honor their memory, Parks have designated July 28 as a fee-free dayThe parks will also feature 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 director of the National Park Service. Come join us in celebrating this special day!

Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?

From 1861 to 1865, the American Union was torn apart by brothers fighting in a Civil War that remains a defining moment in our nation’s history. In 1866, the Buffalo Soldiers were created by Congress to help the nation rebuild after the war and to patrol the West. Comprised of six all-African American army regiments, the Buffalo Soldiers were tasked with managing some of the Western National Parks. Before The National Park Service was officially established. The soldiers’ work helped shape the national park system and laid the foundation for park management and stewardship.

In 1903, Captain Charles Young and the 9th Cavalry Regiment (composed 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 director of the National Park Service. During this assignment, Captain Young and the Buffalo Soldiers made significant contributions to the parks, including building roads 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 watches over the Booker T. Washington Tree and Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest area. The park is honored to recognize Charles Young’s posthumous promotion to brigadier general on November 1, 2021, as a testament to his lasting impact and distinguished service.

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