The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum has a unique albumen photo of the West Point Class of 1877 with Cadet Charles Young, a true American hero. He was the third African American graduate of West Point. He was the first Black American U.S. National Park Superintendent, first military attache, first to achieve the rank of Colonel, and also was the highest-ranking African American officer in the regular Army at that time.

He served with distinction in the American Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, the Poncho Villa Expedition, and World War I. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

This exhibit is on loan from Angelo Scarlato.