Portland is making significant progress toward installing a permanent monument honoring York, the enslaved Black man who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Kelly Knickerbocker, spokesperson for Portland's Office of Arts and Culture, confirmed that artist Todd McGrain completed fabrication of a new York bust in August 2024, marking a major step forward in the city's efforts to restore the tribute that was vandalized years ago.
The original York bust, also created by McGrain, was installed on a pedestal at the summit of Mt. Tabor Park in February 2021. However, the artwork faced immediate controversy and was removed just months after its installation due to repeated vandalism and what former Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long described as "racist responses." The statue was toppled and damaged overnight on July 28, 2021, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding public monuments in the city.
York's historical significance stems from his participation in the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, during which he traveled from St. Louis, Missouri, to what is now Astoria, Oregon, alongside explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. York, who was enslaved by William Clark, is believed to be the first African American person to cross into North America. Despite his crucial contributions to the expedition's success, York was denied both payment and his freedom when the journey concluded, according to the National Park Service.
The York sculpture was originally installed as a replacement for a monument honoring Harvey Scott, a late pioneer and newspaper editor whose statue had been toppled during the series of racial justice protests that swept the nation. The Scott sculpture, which had been gifted to the city by the editor's wife in 1933, stood for nearly a century before being removed. In contrast, the York sculpture was initially installed in "guerilla style" without official city approval, but it received an overwhelmingly positive public response.
Recognizing the community's support for the York monument, city officials made the decision in 2023 to commission a permanent version of the bust. The Office of Arts and Culture began public engagement efforts last year to gather community input on the project, and these consultations will continue through 2026 as officials work to determine the most appropriate location for the permanent installation.
The finalized York monument is scheduled to be installed in October 2026, but the community won't have to wait that long to celebrate York's legacy. The Oregon Black Pioneers has organized York Fest, a special celebration running from October 17 through October 25, 2024. This nine-day festival will commemorate the 220th anniversary of York's arrival in present-day Portland as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The festival will feature six different events, including film screenings, storytelling sessions, and the world premiere of "York the Explorer," described as a groundbreaking new folk opera dedicated to honoring his memory and contributions to American history.
