York

York

The first African American to cross
North America and reach the Pacific
Coast.

Born into slavery in the 1770's to the
family of William Clark, York became
a member of the 1804 Lewis and Clark
Expedition. Though York was an
enslaved laborer, he performed all the
duties of a full member of the
expedition. He was a skilled hunter,
negotiated trade with Native American
communities, and tended to the sick.
Upon his return east with the Corps of

Discovery, York asked for his freedom.
Clark refused his request.

The date and circumstances of his
death are unclear.




Submitted by @cjcmichel