Matthew Alexander Henson
- Born:
- August 8, 1866, Nanjemoy, Charles County, Maryland, USA
- Died:
- March 9, 1955, Bronx, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Explorer, Arctic Explorer
Early Life and Education
- Orphaned at a young age and raised by his uncle.
- Began working as a cabin boy at age 12, gaining maritime experience.
- Learned navigation and carpentry while working at sea.
Career and Major Achievements
- Met Robert Peary in 1887 and became his key assistant on Arctic expeditions.
- Participated in numerous Arctic expeditions with Peary, mastering Inuit survival skills.
- Credited as being one of the first people, along with the Inuit, to reach the geographic North Pole on April 6, 1909.
- Henson's knowledge of Inuit language and customs was crucial to the success of the expeditions.
- Worked as a clerk in the U.S. Customs House in New York City after returning from the Arctic.
- Later in life, gained recognition for his achievements, including awards and honorary degrees.
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Notable Works
- A Negro Explorer at the North Pole (Autobiography, 1912)
Legacy and Impact
Matthew Henson played a vital role in the exploration of the Arctic and is recognized for his crucial contributions to Peary's expeditions, most notably the 1909 expedition to the North Pole. His expertise in Inuit culture and survival skills were essential to the team's success. He helped broaden perceptions of African Americans in exploration and science.