Matthew Henson: The Unsung Hero of Arctic Exploration
Born: August 8, 1866 – Died: March 9, 1955
Known For: Being one of the first people to reach the North Pole (1909)
Early Life
Matthew Henson was born in Nanjemoy, Maryland, USA. Orphaned at a young age, he left home at 12 years old and worked as a cabin boy on a merchant ship, where he learned navigation and survival skills—skills that later proved crucial in the Arctic.
Arctic Expeditions with Robert Peary
Henson met Robert Peary in 1887 and became his trusted assistant. Over the next two decades, they embarked on multiple Arctic expeditions. Henson quickly became an expert dog sledder, navigator, and craftsman—earning deep respect from the Inuit people, who called him “Maripahluk” (the kind one).
Reaching the North Pole (April 6, 1909)
- In 1909, Henson, Peary, and four Inuit guides set out on their final push toward the North Pole.
- Henson led the way using his superior navigation skills. In his own words, he recalled: “I was in the lead that had overshot the mark a couple of miles. We went back and found the spot and planted the flag.”
- Some accounts suggest Henson may have actually reached the North Pole before Peary, but because of racial discrimination, his contributions were overlooked.
Recognition and Legacy
- For decades, Peary received most of the credit for the expedition, while Henson was largely ignored.
- In 1944, Henson finally received a medal from the Congress of the United States for his role in Arctic exploration.
- In 1988, his remains were reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery, near Peary’s grave.
