York (1772 - 1832)

The Forgotten Hero

York’s contribution to the Corps of Discovery just now is coming to light as academics delve more deeply into Lewis and Clark's journals, trying to understand and uncover his part in the Corps. Little about York is known, including his first name, which some believe was “Ben.”

By all accounts, York quickly shed his role as Clark’s slave and became a member of the team. He hunted, worked alongside the men and helped open doors with Native Americans who were amazed at the ebony color of his skin. One Hidatsa chief — in disbelief — tried to remove the color from York's skin. York even risked his life to search for Clark and others who were missing during a flash flood along the Missouri River.

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