To commemorate the Buffalo Soldiers, congress designated July 28 as Buffalo Soldiers Day. Formed in 1866 following the Civil War, this group was this first Army regiment comprised of Black soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers, under the leadership of Colonel Charles Young, were responsible for road construction and park improvements that made the Giant Forest accessible to the public. Colonel Young was named the first Black superintendent of a national park, when he was asked to lead Sequoia National Park.
In 2024, Charles Young was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General. The giant sequoia tree named in his honor in Sequoia National Park, will be renamed to reflect his promotion.
On July 27 and 28, 2024, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks wlll celebrate Brigadier General Charles Young with events throughout the parks, including Fee Free entry on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Events will include:
Throughout the day Ranger-led programs, Interpretive Talks, Guided Walks, Drop-in Programs, Site Interpretation, Interactive Booths and Evening Programs will be available.
