In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Brigadier General Charles Young — a man born into slavery in Mays Lick, Kentucky, during the Civil War who went on to break barriers across the U.S. military and beyond. Despite facing relentless racism, repeated demotions, and exclusion due to his race, Young became a pioneer and trailblazer, achieving numerous historic firsts as a Black officer in the U.S. Army.

You'll learn about Young's journey from his family’s escape to freedom in Ripley, Ohio, through his tough years at West Point, his service with the Buffalo Soldiers, and his role as the first Black superintendent of a National Park (Sequoia & General Grant). We also learn about his friendships with figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, and his diplomatic posts in Haiti and Liberia.

This episode touches on Young’s incredible resilience, the legacy he left through public service, education, and advocacy, and his long-overdue posthumous promotion to Brigadier General in 2021.

*The transcript for this show is auto generated using AI. Robots make mistakes too y'all!

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Jessie Bartholomew

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Louisville, KY 40222

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https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=219094BE-2C76-4E63-85B3-8D8B46EFFFB5

https://brigadiergeneralcharlesyoungfoundation.org/timeline/

Episode 150 (hooray) explores the historical significance of the Passenger Pigeon, the life of Junius Booth, and the cultural impact of extinction. It delves into the tragic story of the Passenger Pigeon, once abundant in North America, and the role of hunting and habitat loss in its extinction. The discussion also highlights the life of Junius Booth, father of John Wilkes Booth, and his connection to the passenger pigeon, revealing the intertwining of history, theater, and wildlife conservation.

Get a copy of My Thoughts Be Bloody:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/My-Thoughts-Be-Bloody/Nora-Titone/9781416586067

To leave Jessie a tip for her work on this episode, Venmo: @kyhistoryhaunts

Send a postcard or chotchke to Jessie:

Jessie Bartholomew

9115 Leesgate Rd Suite A

Louisville, KY 40222

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*KYHH episode transcripts are auto-generated using AI and may contain errors

Mary Byron was waiting for her car to warm up in the parking lot of the mall where she worked on the night of her 21st birthday. She was about to head home to decorate the Christmas tree with her family. Instead she was shot to death by Donavan Harris, her former boyfriend.

Just a few weeks earlier, Harris was arrested for holding Mary hostage at gunpoint and assaulting her in the basement of her own home. He was released on bond, and less than a week later, Mary was dead.

This left the Mary's family, and the community, wondering if things could have been different if they had been notified of his release from jail. This case ultimately led to the creation of the victim notification service known today as VINE.

*Listener discretion advised*

Thanks to Christopher B. for recommending this case.

Thanks to Ms. Lillie for becoming a Patreon member!

Thanks to Neal for your donation and for hyping the show up while visiting local landmarks!

The 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-844-BESAFE1 (237-2331)

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Send mail to:

Kentucky History & Haunts

9115 Leesgate Rd, Suite A

Louisville, KY 40222