Matthew Henson was an African American explorer who played a crucial role in the first successful expedition to the North Pole. His contributions to exploration, as well as his impact on African American history and society, make him a significant yet often overlooked figure.
Matthew Alexander Henson was born on August 8, 1866, in Nanjemoy, Maryland, just one year after the end of the Civil War. Orphaned at a young age, he took on various jobs before eventually becoming a cabin boy on a merchant ship, where he learned vital navigation and survival skills. In 1887, Henson met Robert E. Peary, a naval officer and explorer, who recognized his skills and invited him to join an expedition to Nicaragua. The meeting marked the beginning of a decades-long partnership that would take Henson to some of the harshest environments on Earth. As Peary’s trusted assistant, Henson played an essential role in multiple Arctic expeditions, mastering the art of sledding, hunting, and survival in extreme conditions. According to Henson’s own 1912 memoir, he easily integrated into the local Inuit culture in the Arctic. He could drive a sled like a native and even spoke the native language. “I have come to love these people,” Henson wrote. “They are my friends and regard me as theirs.” On the final page of his memoir, Henson recorded all 218 names of the Inuit from Smith Sound on Canada’s Ellesmere Island.
Henson’s most significant achievement came in 1909 when he and Peary led an expedition to reach the North Pole. Henson physically reached the pole first because he had spent years studying Inuit survival techniques, learning their language, and gaining their respect, which made the expedition successful. Despite his pivotal role, Henson’s contributions were largely overshadowed by Peary, who received most of the recognition.
As a Black man in early 20th-century America, Henson faced systemic racism that prevented him from receiving the same honors and recognition as his white peers. While Peary was celebrated as the conqueror of the North Pole, Henson was initially ignored by mainstream society. The New York Times published on September 7 of that year under the headline “Peary Discovers the North Pole After Eight Trials in 23 Years,” and nothing was acknowledged of Henson’s hard work. However, the African American community recognized his achievements, and he was honored by institutions such as the historically Black college Howard University.
Later in life, Henson received long-overdue recognition, including being made an honorary member of the Explorers Club (A U.S. based society for scientific exploration) in 1937. In 1944, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his role in the Arctic expeditions. It was not until after his death in 1955 that he received full recognition, including being reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery in 1988. Matthew Henson’s life and achievements are a testament to courage, determination, and resilience. As a trailblazer in Arctic exploration, he not only helped change the course of geographical history but also played a vital role in advancing the recognition of African American excellence. His legacy continues to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams regardless of societal barriers, making him a crucial figure in both American history and Black history.
