Discovering York Place: A Unique Tribute in Charlottesville, VA

by Crystal Nash

Director and Archivist

Lewis County Public Library and Archives

Nestled within the vibrant heart of Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, York Place stands as a testament not only to entrepreneurial spirit but also the importance of remembering those who are often overlooked by history. This multi-story structure is the only building in the United States named in honor of York-the only African-American member of the Corps of Discovery, and the slave of William Clark. York Place hosted a special tour for the Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance in September 2024.

York Place houses an impressive 14,000 square feet of enclosed restaurant and retail space, featuring a diverse array of local businesses. From a cozy coffee shop and a trendy hair salon to an authentic sushi restaurant and a delightful dumpling eatery, the building radiates creativity and innovation. Adding to this vibrant mix are a podcast production studio and a realtor office, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit that permeates the space. With its bustling atmosphere reminiscent of local Hohenwald hubs like the 505 and the Main Office, York Place embodies the dynamic essence of Charlottesville's business community.

The design of York Place is as intriguing as its history. A main zig-zagging hallway mirrors the winding path of the Columbia River, which Lewis and Clark famously navigated during their expedition. At various turns, visitors encounter boulders stenciled with the names of the states traversed by the expedition, along with plaques and artwork that pay homage to both York and the larger narrative of exploration and discovery.

Above the shops, 20 upscale two-level rental apartments add a modern touch to the historical tribute, seamlessly blending contemporary living with a rich narrative. The property was developed by Chuck Lewis in 1994, and although he passed away in 2010, his legacy lives on through his son, Charles. During our tour, Charles shared his father's passion for honoring the memory of York, revealing that he extensively researched York and the Lewis and Clark Expedition at his local library prior to the building's opening.

During the expedition, York played a crucial role in hunting, regularly bringing back buffalo, deer, and other game to sustain the party. He also contributed to navigating trails and waterways. His skills were particularly essential when he and another expedition member successfully bartered with the Nez Perce for food. Notably, Meriwether Lewis insisted that York be granted a vote on where to spend the winter of 1805, recognizing his voice, along with Sacagawea's, as equal to those of the other expedition members.

York's story, however, is not just confined to his role in the expedition. After returning from the journey, York anticipated freedom, believing his contributions warranted emancipation. Unfortunately, William Clark repeatedly denied his requests and became frustrated when York refused to return to a life of servitude. Clark claimed to have freed York around 1816-asserting that he started a business to haul goods between Nashville, TN and Richmond, VA.

Adding layers to York's narrative, Clark told Washington Irving that York died of cholera in Tennessee, yet many legends swirl around York's post-expedition life. Some suggest he lived among the Crow Indians, while others propose he was forced back into slavery. Intriguingly, Charles Lewis shared a legend suggesting that York may have lived out his days as a free man in Charlottesville, adding a hopeful twist to his complex story.

As visitors walk through York Place, they engage with more than just a retail space; they participate in a living narrative that intertwines entrepreneurship, history, and community. Each corner of the building invites reflection on the past while celebrating the vibrancy of present-day Charlottesville. Whether you're exploring the unique shops or pondering the legacy of York, York Place offers a compelling glimpse into the intersection of history and modernity in this charming Virginia city.