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Beyond Lewis and Clark - York

The Army Explores the West

York.  Image courtesy of Michael Haynes, 
www.mhaynesart.com.

York (c. 1770 – c. 1832)

York was Captain William Clark’s slave. They had been together since childhood. During Lewis & Clark’s expedition, York was given the same treatment as the other corps members during the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. York’s dark skin caused a sensation among the region’s Native Americans, who had never before seen a black man. They considered him special because of his color and strength.

 

Corps of Discovery route, 1804-1806.

 

Beyond Lewis and Clark is an online exhibit developed by the Kansas Museum of History. It is the result of a partnership between the Kansas Historical Society, the Virginia and Washington State historical societies, the U. S. Army's Frontier Army Museum at Leavenworth, and the U. S. Army Center of Military History.

Contact us at kshs.kansasmuseum@ks.gov