The Story of York
York was an enslaved man who was owned by William Clark’s family. Clark was an American explorer who is best known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which explored the western portion of the United States in the early 19th century.
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson asked Clark to lead the expedition to explore and map the western territory acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. Clark brought along his enslaved servant York, who was a skilled laborer and hunter, as well as an expert boatman.
During the expedition, York played a significant role as a member of the team. He helped to build boats and navigate the treacherous rivers and waterways they encountered, as well as hunting and gathering food for the group. York was also the first black man to cross the western portion of the United States, which was a significant accomplishment at a time when slavery was still legal and black people were not considered full citizens.
DescriptionMany came to view us all day, much astonished at my black servant, who did not lose the opportunity of displaying his powers. This nation never saw a black man before.” The same happened the next day in the Arikara village: “Those Indians were much astonished at my servant, they never saw a black man before, all flocked around him and examined him from top to toe.”
York often wowed the Indians with his dancing. During the winter at Fort Mandan, Clark wrote, “I ordered my black servant to Dance which amused the crowd very much, and somewhat astonished them, that so large a man should be active.” York was said to have enjoyed the attention.Despite his important contributions to the expedition, York was not treated as an equal by his fellow team members. He was still considered property and was subject to the same restrictions and limitations as any other enslaved person. He was not allowed to vote on where the group would camp or which direction they would travel, and he was often left out of important decisions.
After the expedition ended and Despite his many contributions to the Corps of Discovery, Clark refused to release York from bondage upon their return to St. Louis in 1806 breaking his initial promise to set him free when asked by York, even acknowledging it would not have been possible without York. York saved their lives many times during the expedition.
I have read conflicting statements on whether or not York was freed. Anybody have any corrections or anything to add?
