Historical Marker

Lewis and Clark in Kenucky - York

Historical marker location:

Louisville, Kentucky

( End of Fourth St. on the Wharf, Louisville)

This enslaved African American, who lived most of his life in Louisville, went on Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific, 1803-6. York was the first African American to cross the U. S. coast to coast and made important contributions to the success of the expedition.

Reverse

York - York, a Clark family slave born ca. 1772, moved with them to Jefferson Co. from Va. in 1785. Inherited by Wm. Clark from father John in 1799. After return from expedition to the West, York lived in Louisville and worked as a wagon driver. Freed after 1815. Clark reported that York died in Tenn. before 1832. Sponsored by The Filson Historical Society and the African American Heritage Foundation.