In April 2026, NASA’s Artemis II mission will mark a historic milestone: the first humans in half a century will orbit the Moon. Among them is Victor Glover, who is set to become the first Black astronaut to ever orbit the lunar surface.
While Glover’s achievement is a monumental leap for representation in space exploration, it is not an isolated event. It is the latest chapter in a long, often overlooked history of Black Americans who have pushed the boundaries of the known world—even when they were denied the basic freedoms of the citizens they were exploring for.
The Forgotten Pioneer: York
Two centuries before the dawn of the space age, a man known only as York was performing a similar feat of endurance. An enslaved man owned by William Clark, York was a vital, though often uncredited, member of the Lewis and Clark expedition (the Corps of Discovery) between 1804 and 1806.
While history books frequently focus on the leadership of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, recent historical research reveals that York was far more than a “body servant.” He was an essential operative whose skills were critical to the expedition’s survival.
A Role Defined by Skill and Survival
York’s contributions were practical, physical, and indispensable:
– Technical Labor: He was selected to operate the heavy whipsaw used to build the expedition’s winter quarters.
– Resourcefulness: He was a skilled hunter, noted as one of the few members of the party to successfully bring down a buffalo.
– Expert Navigation: On the treacherous waters of the Columbia River, York was among the elite rivermen chosen to navigate canoes through dangerous rapids.
– Diplomacy and Connection: During encounters with Native American tribes, such as the Arikara, York served as a unique point of cultural contact, often engaging with Native children and helping to bridge gaps between the corps and local leaders.
The Paradox of Recognition
Despite his essential role, York’s status remained a contradiction. He was an official part of a federally funded mission—an expedition that, at the time, commanded a larger percentage of the U.S. government budget than NASA does today.
When the expedition concluded, the government provided compensation for York’s labor, roughly equivalent to the pay received by the soldiers. However, in keeping with the laws of the era, that money was paid to his owner, William Clark, rather than to York himself.
Yet, there were glimpses of emerging agency. As the journey progressed, York began to assert himself—sending buffalo robes to his wife in Kentucky and even participating in the democratic process when the captains allowed the men to vote on their final winter quarters. This vote was a rare, albeit small, acknowledgment that he had become more than a servant; he had become an explorer.
A Continuous Thread of Exploration
The lineage from York to Victor Glover represents a broader, often hidden, narrative of Black excellence in American exploration. This tradition includes:
- Isaiah Brown: Who contributed to the Wheeler Survey mapping the American West after the Civil War.
- Matthew Henson: The intrepid explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on Arctic expeditions.
- NASA Pioneers: Modern icons like Guy Bluford, Mae Jemison, and Jeanette Epps, who have paved the way for the next generation.
The transition from the rugged riverbanks of the Missouri to the lunar orbit of the Moon highlights a profound shift. While York had to fight for even the most basic recognition of his humanity and skill, modern explorers like Glover operate in an era where their expertise is celebrated on a global stage.
The history of exploration is not just about discovering new territories; it is about the people who possess the courage to traverse them, regardless of the constraints placed upon them.
Conclusion
The journey from York to Victor Glover illustrates that Black Americans have always been at the forefront of discovery, often providing the labor and skill necessary for success while navigating systemic inequality. Recognizing this history ensures that the full story of human exploration is finally told.
