Which U.S. national park had Charles Young as its first Black superintendent?

Charles Young became the first Black superintendent of a U.S. national park at Sequoia National Park.

In 1903, Captain Charles Young of the U.S. Army’s Ninth Cavalry served as acting military superintendent of Sequoia and General Grant national parks. The Army administered national parks before the National Park Service existed, so Young’s assignment predates the agency by 13 years.

Young supervised Buffalo Soldiers, directed park operations, and oversaw construction work. Under his leadership, troops improved the road into the Giant Forest and built a road toward Moro Rock, making the landscape more accessible to visitors. He also advocated stronger protection for park resources.

Young’s appointment is distinct from the later history of civilian NPS employment. He was an Army officer working under the military administration system, but his service helped shape the responsibilities later associated with park superintendents and rangers. Sequoia National Park had been established in 1890, making it one of the country’s earliest national parks.