62.0k views
3 votes
William Clark owned a slave who went on, and was invaluable to the expedition. He later believed he should be paid and set free. What was his name?

User Ghostika
by
7.7k points

2 Answers

1 vote

Answer:

York

Step-by-step explanation:

The enslaved person you're referring to was named York. He was a crucial member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, playing a variety of roles beyond his duties as William Clark's personal servant.

York's contributions to the expedition included:

* Interpreting and mediating communication with Native American tribes:** York's fluency in several Indigenous languages and his imposing stature helped establish trust and rapport with various Indigenous communities.

**Hunting and foraging:** York's skills in hunting and gathering provided vital sustenance for the expedition, especially during harsh winters and periods of food scarcity.

* Diplomacy and cultural exchange: York's presence and interactions with Indigenous communities fostered cultural understanding and eased tensions during the expedition.

* **Medical care:** York assisted with medical tasks and provided care to sick and injured members of the expedition.

Despite his invaluable contributions, York remained enslaved throughout the expedition and was not granted his freedom until 1820, several years after its completion. His story highlights the complex and often contradictory realities of the Lewis and Clark expedition, which celebrated exploration and westward expansion while simultaneously perpetuating the institution of slavery.

User TheChumpus
by
7.6k points
4 votes

Final answer:

The name of the slave is not specified, but York was an enslaved African American servant who played an important role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The name of the slave owned by William Clark who was invaluable to the expedition and later believed he should be paid and set free is not specified in the given information.

However, it is important to note that the Lewis and Clark Expedition, led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark, included the participation of several enslaved individuals. One of the notable enslaved people who played an important role in the expedition was 'York'. York was Clark's enslaved African American servant who accompanied the expedition and made significant contributions to their success.

York displayed his skills as a hunter, negotiator, and interpreter, and his presence served as an introduction to Native American tribes encountered during the expedition. Unfortunately, despite his valuable contributions, York did not receive the freedom and payment he desired after the expedition and remained enslaved until 1811.

User Tspano
by
7.9k points