Apparently not. When Clark’s slave York made his appearance among
the tribes of the Upper Missouri, he was a constant source of amazement
to those who saw him. Standing perhaps six foot tall, he was an imposing
physical specimen who immediately became the favorite member of the Corps
among the Mandan and Hidatsa. In one of the more famous Charlie Russell
paintings, York stands in the midst of an earth lodge while puzzled Mandan
touch him and try to rub the paint off. Sadly, upon York’s return
to St. Louis, he again lived the life of a slave, even being beaten by
William Clark for asking for at least the freedom to live with his wife
and children.
Address:
612 East Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
Get Directions
Hours:
State Museum and Store: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
We are closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We are closed at noon Christmas Eve if it falls on Mon.-Thurs. and are closed all day if it falls on Fri.-Sun.
State Archives: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F, except state holidays; 2nd Sat. of each month, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 701.328.2091 or archives@nd.gov.
State Historical Society offices: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F, except state holidays.
Contact Us:
phone: 701.328.2666
email: history@nd.gov
Social Media:
See all social media accounts
