Ed Hamilton Sculpture – York

Visit the Louisville Belvedere on the Ohio riverfront to spot the eight-foot bronze statue of York, the only enslaved man on the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806. York stands tall and proud, perched atop a four-foot sculpted rock and holding a rifle—something that enslaved men were rarely permitted but that York used regularly during their travels.

York was a vital member of the party, aiding in navigation, hunting for food, and building positive relationships with Native American tribes. York was the first African American man to ever set eyes on the Pacific Ocean.

This statue was created by renowned local sculptor Ed Hamilton as part of the Expedition’s Bicentennial in 2003.

Accessibility: The Belvedere is paved, with a small incline leading to the statue. A parking garage beneath the park includes elevator access to the ground level near the statue site.