York (1770–1775 – after 1815) was the only African-American member of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804–1806. Born into slavery in the Colony of Virginia, York was a lifelong slave and personal servant of William Clark, making significant contributions to the success of the exploration. His participation in the entire expedition marked him as the first African American to cross the continent and witness the Pacific Ocean, solidifying his status as an American icon. Despite being illiterate and lacking information about his early life, York's strength and skills were evident throughout the journey. His hunting prowess, use of a rifle, and aid in navigating trails and waterways were crucial to the expedition's progress. Additionally, his blackness served as a passport when interacting with Native American tribes, contributing to the success of the interactions. York's legacy has been honored with several monuments depicting him, recognizing his indispensable role in this historic expedition.

York County, formerly Charles River County, is a historic county in the eastern part of Virginia, with a population of 70,045 as of the 2020 United States census. Situated in the Tidewater, York County is rich in history and natural beauty, with the York River as its northern border. It shares borders with several independent cities and counties, making it a significant part of the Virginia Peninsula. Established in 1634 as Charles River Shire, it is one of the oldest counties in the United States. Yorktown, a pivotal location in the American Revolutionary War, is part of the Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia and draws international visitors interested in the region's heritage. The area was long inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Powhatan Confederacy, and was also the site of the Spanish Jesuit priests' Ajacán Mission in 1570. Today, York County boasts miles of waterfront residential and recreational areas, military installations, and popular attractions like Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the Yorktown Battlefield. The county's historical significance, combined with its modern amenities, makes it a major hub for heritage tourism and a significant economic contributor to the region.

The York River is a significant navigable estuary in eastern Virginia, stretching approximately 34 miles and varying in width from 1 to 2.5 miles. Its watershed encompasses the coastal plain of Virginia north and east of Richmond and has been historically inhabited by indigenous peoples. The river holds great historical importance, with evidence of the likely site of Werowocomoco, a capital used by the paramount chief Powhatan before 1609, and significant events and battles during the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. Formed at West Point by the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers, the York River drains into the Chesapeake Bay and is crossed by the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge. The river was formerly known as the Pamunkey River and was a pivotal location during the colonial period and subsequent wars. York River State Park, military reservations, and preserved wetlands and forests along its shores make it ecologically important. The George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge is the sole vehicular crossing, collecting a $2 toll for automobile traffic. The river's significance is further emphasized by its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and its ecological importance to migratory waterfowl.

Edwin York Bowen (22 February 1884 – 23 November 1961) was an English composer and pianist known for his extensive musical career spanning over fifty years. He was a multi-talented musician, excelling as a pianist, conductor, organist, violist, and horn player. Despite achieving significant success during his lifetime, many of Bowen's works remained unpublished and unperformed until after his death. Bowen's compositional style is widely considered ‘Romantic,' characterized by a rich harmonic language.Born in Crouch Hill, London, Bowen showed musical talent at an early age and received formal education at the North Metropolitan College of Music and the Blackheath Conservatoire of Music. He furthered his studies at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won numerous awards and later became a professor. Bowen's personal life saw him marry Sylvia Dalton and become a father to their son Philip. Additionally, he played in the Scots Guards Band during World War I and later resumed composing and performing after the war.Bowen achieved success as both a concert pianist and composer, performing regularly at prestigious venues such as the Queen's Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. He premiered many of his own works, including his piano concertos and orchestral pieces, and also composed works for renowned musicians of his time. Bowen's contributions to the viola repertoire were particularly noteworthy, and he collaborated with prominent viola player Lionel Tertis to popularize the instrument as a solo instrument

York and Yorke are surnames with an extensive list of notable individuals bearing these names. From American war hero Alvin C. York to British musician Andy Yorke, and from American actor Michael York to British historian Barbara Yorke, the York and Yorke names have left a mark in various fields. Notable figures include American politician Alexander M. York, Canadian writer Alissa York, British football player Andy York, American guitarist Andrew York, and American ice hockey player Cam York, among many others. The list also includes fictional characters like Hal Yorke from the British TV series Being Human and J.T. Yorke from Degrassi: The Next Generation. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence others.