N3819

Lewis & Clark Expedition - Bicentennial

Fred's Anecdotal Note

York

A life-long, same age companion of Clark, York proved to be a valuable member of the Corps of Discovery.  His father "Old York" had likewise been the life-lorg servant to Clark's father thus providing deep roots and bonds between the two men that had to transcend the stark reality of slavery. Physically York possessed great strength and the various tribes considered him "Big Medicine." He delighted in playing with the Indian children and carried them about on his shoulders. On October 10, 1804, York was a sensation while visiting an Arikaras village with the men. He roared and chased the youngsters between the teepees until the captains had to stop him because "he carried on the joke more than we wished him to doe."

On September 8, 1804, York was invited to join a hunting party with both captains, Reubin Field and Drouillard. From a herd of about 500 buffalo, York shot one which became that night's dinner for the corps. In November of 1805 when the party was deciding where to winter on the Pacific Coast, York became the first black American slave ever to cast a vote. His contributions on the journey were noteworthy. The men liked him, enjoyed his wit, and admired his work ethic. After the expedition, he was eventually freed by Clark. York married and moved to Tennessee where he established a freight business with six horses and a wagon provided by the Captain.