Oregon Experience: Searching for York

The Lewis & Clark Expedition - a pivotal moment in American history. But the story of York, a slave to William Clark and comrade on this journey, has been obscured by omission and stereotype. Searching for York paints a portrait of this unofficial member of the Corps of Discovery as it discusses the ways in which history is written.

Airs August 05, 2010, 9:30 PM
on OPB TV

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About the Program

The Lewis & Clark Expedition was a pivotal moment in American history. But the story of York, a slave to William Clark from boyhood and comrade on this journey, has been obscured by omission and stereotype.

York's personal story is not well known, though the story of Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery is.  How is it that we as a culture remember some pieces of history and not others?  Some of what we know about York comes from the oral histories of various native peoples who encountered York as the Corps made its way across the continent.  Other pieces of information about York’s role come from William Clark’s journals and letters.  

When the Expedition returns to the Eastern United States, York’s life becomes even more controversial.  Denied his freedom by Clark, historians continue to disagree over two versions of York’s ultimate fate.

Oregon Experience: Searching for York, paints a portrait of this unofficial member of the Corps of Discovery as it explores the ways in which history is written.  Shot on location at Ft. Vancouver and Ft. Clatsop, the program is an engaging and provocative look at a man shrouded in mystery.