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Wilberforce Monument Honors African-American Colonel

Federal officials think a national monument in southwest Ohio that honors the first African-American colonel in the U.S. Army will draw thousands of visitors each year.

The National Park Service celebrated the preservation of Col. Charles Young's home in a dedication ceremony this past week. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar was among those attending.

President Barack Obama last month designated Young's home in Wilberforce as the 401st national park site. The Dayton Daily News reports that officials expect it to draw about 125,000 visitors a year.

Young served with the all-black 9th and 10th Calvary regiments, often called Buffalo Soldiers.

American Indians gave that name to black soldiers on the western frontier in the 19th century.
 

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