Community leaders in Louisville gathered at George Rogers Clark Park to honor York, an enslaved servant who was a key member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. York was the first African American to travel across North America, serving in the Corps of Discovery, but his story often goes untold.
York’s Contributions
York was an enslaved man belonging to the Clark family and acted as William Clark’s servant. He was a navigator, a hunter, and was known to Native Americans as Big Medicine for his size. Despite his contributions to the expedition, York got no pay, no freedom, and no formal recognition.
To honor York’s service, a formal military burial will be held for him in Cave Hill Cemetery on November 11, Veteran’s Day, and he will receive full military honors. A monument will also be featured, honoring all York gave to the city of Louisville.
Sculptor Ed Hamilton, who created the Statue of York on the Louisville Belvedere, said, ‘It’s significant that we are honoring him now, to say, ‘Hey, the man paid his price. He did everything he was supposed to do. He was one of the Corps of Discovery.’ Very important too… so now he’s getting his due.’
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
