Remembering the explorer named York

The Evergreen

Remembering the explorer named York

Clean

Published on Aug 10, 2026, 5:00:00 AM
Total time: 00:28:23

Episode Description

When people think about the Lewis & Clark expedition, they probably think about Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and maybe Sacagawea. But there’s one member of the Corps of Discovery who isn’t as famous: York. 

 

York was an enslaved Black man who was just as essential to the success of the expedition as anyone else, but didn’t receive credit for his work afterwards. We dive into York’s story and remember one who may have been overlooked in American history. 

 

You can learn more by watching the Oregon Experience documentary “Searching for York

 

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OPB’s weekly podcast creates an audio portrait of the Pacific Northwest. We tell the stories of the people, places, communities and cultures that make up this region. It’s a podcast about the place YOU live, the places you love, and the geography you feel connected to.