Matthew Henson

Matthew Henson

On April 6, 1909, two American explorers became the first people to set foot on the North Pole. At the time, only Robert Peary was given credit for this achievement. But he never would have made it without his fellow explorer, an African American named Matthew Henson.

Born in 1866, Henson began working on a sailing ship when he was 12. For six years, he traveled the world, learning to read, write and navigate the seas.

In 1890, Peary asked Henson to join his expeditions. Henson proved to be a skilled seaman, hunter, igloo builder and sled driver. He was able to develop a close relationship with the Inuit people because he spoke their language. The Inuit became important allies on polar expeditions.

During their 18 years together, Henson and Peary went on eight missions through the dangerous Arctic ocean. When they finally reached the North Pole, it was Henson who had the honor of planting the American flag on the ground.