Wilberforce
Wilberforce, Ohio host Wilberforce University and Central State University which are historically famous black universities. Both were established in the mid-nineteenth century. These schools have hosted many famous citizens including Charles Young, a high-ranking black Army officer before WWI. He served with the US Army Buffalo Soldiers. His home is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. Wilberforce also hosts the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center.
Wilberforce History
The history of Wilberforce Ohio is intertwined with how our nation dealt with slavery. A Dayton.com article helped me best understand the formation of Wilberforce:
- The natural springs east of Xenia became a resort in 1850 called Tawawa Springs
- The resort became a favored spot for Southern slaveowners
- Ohioans did not approve, business declined, and the resort closed in 1855
- In 1856, Wilberforce became a stop along the Underground Railroad
- The University was named after an 18th-century Abolitionist—William Wilberforce
- In 1858, Wilberforce was home to 200 students
Wilberforce Ohio Landmarks
- Wilberforce University: Formed in 1856 from a joint project of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church as a historically black university
- Central State University: Originally formed as a two-year college to Wilberforce a four-year program, it first served as an industrial department before gaining its own college accreditation
- Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument: Charles Young, a high-ranking black Army officer before WWI who served in the US Army as a Buffalo Soldier
- National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center: An Art and culture at this museum in Wilberforce, Ohio is home of two historically black universities
Wilberforce Art Prints
In addition to the above landmarks, Wilberforce offers many points of interest that become fascinating art prints. I’ve become a fan of exploring its country roads filled with meandering roads winding by pretty farmsteads, particularly under interesting skies. If you are seeking more Greene County Ohio scenes, be sure to check out these galleries from adjacent lands:
- Yellow Springs Ohio
- Xenia Ohio
- Cedarville Ohio
- Clifton Ohio
- Ripley Ohio - There are close historical ties of Wilberforce and Ripley Ohio which serves as the boyhood home of Charles
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