In Search of York: The Slave Who Went to the Pacific With Lewis and Clark, Revised Edition

by Robert B. Betts, James J. Holmberg (Epilogue)

The sole African American member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, William Clark's enigmatic body servant York has inspired numerous myths about his character and exploits. He was supposed to be a man of superb physique and stamina, and some believed that he clowned and womanized his way across the continent and made no significant contributions to the outcome of the Expedition. More often than not, reputable historians have assumed that these myths surrounding him were reliable portrayals of the first black man to reach the Pacific Ocean. First published in 1985, Robert B. Betts' unique account of this long-obscured historical figure is now back in an updated edition with new material and illustrations. In Search of York removes many of the fallacies surrounding York and pinpoints the important role he played in the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Through painstaking research and the synthesis of all the available information known about York, Betts exposes the impact of racial prejudice on historical interpretation. Neither the hero that a few romantic chroniclers have drawn nor the buffoon of many accounts tainted with racism, Betts' York emerges as a believable human being touching both the heights and depths of the world he lived in. A significant contribution to Lewis and Clark studies, In Search of York is an invaluable model of historical inquiry for scholars and a fascinating story for all readers.

Genres: Biography, History

204 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2000

Reviews

[Eric Byrd]

The cover art is Charles Russell's "York in the Lodge of the Mandans." I tend a portion of the archives of the American Indian Movement, and Clyde Bellecourt, ever droll, gave me a large framed print of Russell's painting to hang in my office, where it hangs still.

[Brook Allen]

This book is remarkable in the depth of research Betts did. And in addition, there is a later addendum to the work by Lewis & Clark historian, James Holmberg. Truly fascinating for those of us with deep interest in early Westward expansion and the Corps of Discovery. Highly recommended!

[Linda]

Thoroughly researched with an updated addendum incorporating new materials.

[James Charleston]

Very interesting book. It's sad that this is all the information that we have on a man who obviously made such a great contribution to the Lewis and Clark expedition.

[Lady W]

Sadly, I never new about York. What information they’ve found to gather about York is informative and I wish we knew more about what happened to him afterwards.