Matthew Henson

Matthew Henson, an intrepid Arctic explorer, made history as the first African-American to reach the North Pole, yet faced racial barriers that diminished the recognition he deserved.

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Birth Name :

Matthew Alexander Henson

Profession :

Explorer

Birthday :

August 8, 1866

Star Sign :

Leo

Death Date:

March 09, 1955

Age :

88

Birthplace :

Charles County, Maryland

Matthew Henson was born in Charles County, Maryland, to sharecropper parents. With limited formal education, Henson was largely self-taught through reading and exploration, developing a passion for adventure at a young age. He began his career as a cabin boy on merchant ships at the age of 13, eventually joining the United States Navy in 1887, where he served for three years. During this time, Henson worked as a skilled craftsman and mechanic, gaining valuable skills that would later prove essential for his future expeditions.

In 1887, Henson met Robert Peary and became his loyal companion and co-explorer on numerous Arctic expeditions. Together, they embarked on seven expeditions to the Arctic, including the historic 1909 expedition that reached the North Pole. Henson played a crucial role in the success of these expeditions, providing invaluable support and expertise in navigation, dog sledding, and survival techniques. Despite his significant contributions, Henson’s achievements were often overshadowed by Peary’s fame due to racial prejudice.

Throughout his life, Henson faced racial discrimination but remained resilient and determined to achieve his goals. He actively advocated for African American rights and opportunities. Henson was the first African American to reach the North Pole and was an expert dog sled driver and navigator, essential skills for Arctic survival. Although his contributions to Arctic exploration were largely unrecognized during his lifetime, Henson is now celebrated as a pioneering figure in the field.

In recognition of his achievements, Henson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1944 and received the Hubbard Medal from the National Geographic Society in 1948. He was inducted into the National Explorers Hall of Fame in 2000 and honored with a statue at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., in 2022. Henson’s autobiography, “Dark Companion,” published in 1947, provides a firsthand account of his experiences and the challenges he faced as an African American explorer. In 2022, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring Henson’s achievements.

Matthew Henson married Lucy Ross in 1891, and they had six children together. Despite the many challenges he faced, Henson’s legacy as a pioneering African American explorer endures, and his contributions to Arctic exploration continue to be celebrated today.