Cairo in Alexander County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

York the Slave

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2009

1. York the Slave Marker

Inscription. York was the first known African American to cross the American continent. In the company of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, from 1803-1806, he shared equally with them the rigors of the journey, but when the corps was honored, he received no recognition. Whenever the corps came upon American Indian tribes, however, his uniqueness became apparent. To the Crow, York's blackness of skin was viewed as "big medicine," to the Shoshonis and Nez Perce, he was a man of curiosity and strength and awe.

Born about 1772 to slave parents, Old York and Rose, York was the body servant of William Clark. York grew up in Virginia and Kentucky and traveled with the future Captain Clark on his expeditions. In the early 1810's, York was freed by Clark. Involved in drayage and domestic service in Tennessee, York lived possibly into the early 1830's.

Erected by City of Cairo.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1772.

Location. 37° 0.172′ N, 89° 10.327′ W. Marker is in Cairo, Illinois, in Alexander County. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Avenue (U.S.

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51) and 15th Street, on the right when traveling north on Washington Avenue. Located on the grounds of the Old US Customs House and Post Office. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cairo IL 62914, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Seaman (here, next to this marker); The Cairo Custom House (a few steps from this marker); Duncan Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary J. Safford (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Cairo Public Library (about 500 feet away); President Clinton Visits Cairo, Illinois (about 500 feet away); The Historic First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Patrick Catholic Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cairo.

Photographed By James P Zaworski, July 14, 2023

2. York the Slave Marker

Back of Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2009

3. Back of Marker

The back lists contributors for the marker project.

The US Customs House and Post Office in Cairo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2009

4. The US Customs House and Post Office in Cairo

The building was started in 1867 and completed in 1872, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,840 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on March 22, 2011, by Allen Gathman of Pocahontas, Missouri. Photos: 1. submitted on May 31, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 21, 2023, by James P Zaworski of Joliet, Illinois. 3, 4. submitted on May 31, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.