York, called "Big Medicine" by the Native Americans, was an enslaved African American man who accompanied Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their famous expedition to explore the western territories of the United States in the early 19th century. Despite being considered property at the time, York was a valuable member of the expedition, serving as a hunter, guide, and translator. He was one of the few members of the expedition to be well-regarded by both Lewis and Clark, who recognized his skills and bravery.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, took place from 1804 to 1806. Its goal was to explore the newly acquired western territories of the United States and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. York was one of the few members of the expedition to complete the entire journey, which covered over 8,000 miles and took more than two years to complete.
Despite his contributions to the expedition, York's role has often been downplayed or ignored in many historical accounts. Nevertheless, he remains an important figure in American history and is recognized for his bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity.
