Matthew Henson

Date of Birth: August 8, 1866

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 9, 1955

Biography

Matthew Alexander Henson was an American explorer best known for his participation in the 1909 expedition that claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole, led by Robert Peary. Born in Nanjemoy, Maryland, Henson was orphaned at a young age and began working as a cabin boy on a ship by the age of 12. This early exposure to seafaring life sparked his interest in exploration. Henson met Robert Peary in 1887 and the two formed a partnership that would last for over two decades. Henson played a crucial role in Peary’s expeditions to the Arctic due to his skills in navigation, dog sledding, and his ability to learn and adapt to the local Inuit culture and language. Despite the controversy surrounding whether Peary and Henson actually reached the North Pole, Henson’s contributions to Arctic exploration have been widely recognized. He was awarded numerous honors late in his life, including being interred at Arlington National Cemetery by special decree of President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

5 Interesting Facts about Matthew Henson

1. Matthew Henson was one of the first African Americans recognized for his contributions to exploration.

2. Henson wrote an autobiography titled “A Negro Explorer at the North Pole,” published in 1912.

3. He learned the Inuit language and culture, which proved invaluable during the Arctic expeditions.

4. In 1944, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his role in Arctic exploration.

5. Henson’s contributions were largely overlooked during his lifetime, but he has since been posthumously honored with numerous awards and recognitions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Matthew Henson

1. “I think I’m the first man to sit on top of the world.”

2. “It was a long time ago. It seems like it was a dream.”

3. “I have made my plans. I will carry them out or perish in the attempt.”

4. “The lure of the Arctic is tugging at my heartstrings.”

5. “The pole at last! The prize of three centuries, my dream and ambition for 23 years. Mine at last.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Matthew Henson’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he did not achieve significant wealth during his lifetime. His contributions were more recognized posthumously.

Children

Matthew Henson did not have any biological children. However, he had an adopted son, Anauakaq, from his relationship with an Inuit woman during his time in Greenland.