On October 14, 2003 — the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark’s historic meeting in Louisville — an 8-foot heroic bronze sculpture of York was dedicated on the Louisville Belvedere at Fifth and Main Streets, overlooking the Ohio River.
Who Was York?
York (ca. 1772–before 1832) was William Clark’s enslaved companion who accompanied the Corps of Discovery on its entire journey from 1803 to 1806. He was the first African American to cross the continent from coast to coast, and his contributions to the expedition were substantial:
- York was a skilled hunter and outdoorsman who provided food for the Corps
- His presence fascinated the Native American tribes they encountered, often serving as a bridge for diplomacy and trade
- He participated in the expedition’s only democratic vote — choosing the site of Fort Clatsop — making it one of the first recorded instances of a Black man and a Native American woman (Sacagawea) voting in American history
- Clark’s journals record York’s bravery, including his care of Sergeant Charles Floyd during his fatal illness
The Sculpture
The statue was created by Ed Hamilton, a nationally renowned Louisville-based sculptor known for his powerful works depicting African American history. Hamilton’s York stands tall and dignified, gazing westward over the Ohio River — the same waters he traveled with the expedition in 1803.
The sculpture was commissioned by the City of Louisville as part of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration and stands as a permanent reminder that the story of American exploration includes people of all backgrounds.
The Lewis & Clark Trust’s Role
The Lewis & Clark Trust advocates for the complete telling of the expedition story — including the experiences of York, Sacagawea, and the many Native American nations the Corps encountered. York’s statue in Louisville represents the kind of inclusive, honest historical interpretation the Trust supports across all its projects.