Ladysmith in Caroline County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

York: Lewis and Clark Expedition

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 18, 2011

1. York: Lewis and Clark Expedition Marker

Inscription. Born in Caroline County in 1770, York was a slave of the William Clark family and the only African American on the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Approximately 34 years old at the time, York was one of the hunters and also accompanied groups of soldiers on scouting missions. Other members of the expedition received money and land for their services, but York did not because of his slave status and Clark’s refusal to manumit him. York may have escaped from Clark and returned to Wyoming, where according to tradition, he lived out his life with the Crow Indians.

Erected 2009 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E 99-a.)

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, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1770.

Location. 38° 1.234′ N, 77° 30.947′ W. Marker is in Ladysmith, Virginia, in Caroline County. It is on Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. 1) 0.2 miles north of Ladysmith Road (Virginia Route 639), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ruther Glen VA 22546, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Maneuvering to the North Anna River (here, next to this marker); Clark Family Farm (a few steps from this marker); Dickinson's Mill (approx. 2.3 miles away); Golansville Quaker Meetinghouse (approx. 2.9 miles away); Like to Eat? (approx. 2.9 miles away); a different marker also named Like to Eat? (approx. 3 miles away); York (Born ca. 1770) (approx. 3.9 miles away); William Clark Birthplace (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ladysmith.

US 1 (facing south) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 18, 2011

2. US 1 (facing south)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,889 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.