York was the only African American on the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean from 1803 to 1806. Enslaved at birth, he grew up near here in the household of William Clark's parents, moved to Kentucky with the family, and came under Clark's ownership in 1799. His hunting and bartering skills, care for the sick, dependability, and reception by Native Americans were important contributions to the success of the Expedition. A group of islands in the Missouri River was named for him. Unlike the other members of the Expedition, York received no money or land for his services. He remained enslaved by Clark through at least 1815 and reportedly was freed before 1832.