Matthew Alexander Henson was an African American explorer and adventurer who is best known for his role in the first successful expedition to the North Pole. He was born on August 8, 1866 in Charles County, Maryland, to two free African American parents. His father, Samuel Henson, was a sharecropper and his mother, Amanda, was a domestic worker.
Henson was the youngest of five children and was raised in a rural area. He attended school until the age of twelve, when he left to work as a cabin boy on a merchant ship. During his time at sea, Henson learned navigation and other skills that would later prove invaluable in his explorations.
In 1887, Henson met Robert Peary, an American explorer who was planning an expedition to the North Pole. Henson was hired as Peary’s assistant and the two men became close friends. Henson was an invaluable member of the team, helping to navigate, build shelters, and carry supplies.
In April 1909, Henson and Peary set out on their final attempt to reach the North Pole. After months of grueling travel, they finally reached their destination on April 6, 1909. Henson was the first person to set foot on the North Pole, although Peary was credited with the achievement.
Henson continued to work with Peary for the rest of his life, and the two men remained close friends. In 1912, Henson was awarded the Peary Arctic Medal for his role in the expedition. He was also the first African American to be inducted into the Explorers Club.
Henson’s later years were spent in relative obscurity. He wrote an autobiography, A Negro Explorer at the North Pole, which was published in 1912. He also worked as a clerk in the U.S. Customs House in New York City.
Henson died on March 9, 1955, at the age of 88. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York. In 1988, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his role in the North Pole expedition.
Henson’s legacy lives on today. He is remembered as a courageous explorer and a pioneer in the field of African American exploration. His story is an inspiration to all who strive to achieve their dreams, no matter the odds.