[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, in recognition of Black 
History Month I come to the floor to honor a little-known member of the 
Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the Oregon territory. 
Expedition historians tell us that an African-American by the name of 
York accompanied Lewis, Clark and the Shoshoni woman, Sacagawea on the 
long journey ending in the area of what is now Fort Clatsop, OR.
  Throughout the Lewis and Clark expedition, York served as a valuable 
translator, helped to strengthen Native-American relations, and guided 
several successful trading ventures. It has been said that on numerous 
occasions, York risked his life so that the expedition could continue. 
York's contributions were numerous, and according to the Lewis and 
Clark Heritage Foundation, when the party reached the Columbia River, a 
decision had to be made whether to head to the north shore of the 
Columbia--Washington State--or cross the river to the south side--
Oregon--where Indians had said that game could be found. An actual vote 
of the members was recorded, representing the first American 
democratically held election west of the Rockies that included the vote 
of a woman, Sacagawea, and a black man, York.
  Today, a mural in the southwest corner of the Rotunda of Oregon State 
Capital in Salem depicts the expedition that Merriwether Lewis and 
William Clark, Sacagawea and York made through the Louisiana and Oregon 
Territories. I want to join all Oregonians today in celebrating Black 
History Month and celebrate the contributions that African-Americans 
have made to American history.

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