Matthew Henson
(1886-1995)
Matthew Henson was born on August 8, 1886, on a farm in Nanjemoy, Maryland. His parents died when he was young, so he and his siblings lived with his uncle. Henson's days on exploration started though small, at a young age. He was asked to work as a cabin boy on a merchant ship out at sea around the age of twelve. Because of his fascination with life at sea, Henson took the offer. He spent the next few years sailing around the world. During this time he would be educating himself to become a skilled navigator.
In the year 1887, Henson met Commander Robert E. Peary. Peary was a man that would help lead Henson to his success on his exploration to the North Pole. The first expedition Henson joined Peary on was one to Nicaragua. On this voyage, Peary made Henson one of his colleagues for he was impresses with his seamanship. Henson and Peary spent years together exploring the world. The expeditions included arctic voyages where here Henson learned the Inuit language and traded with their people, built sleds, and trained dog teams.
Henson's most remarkable expedition was in 1909. The expedition was Peary's eighth attempt mission of reaching the North Pole, and Henson was along for the journey. Henson was selected to be a part of the team of six that would make the final run to the pole. On this trip, it is said that Peary became either ill, exhausted, or injured. Although it is unknown what exactly happened to him, it is known that Henson was sent on the be the scout. Henson was the first to set foot in the North Pole, and to mount the American flag, the symbol of our country, into its icy terrain.
It took years for Henson to be recognized for his actions. Peary was rewarded with medals shortly after his return from the expedition. It was not until the year of 1937, when Henson was seventy years old, when people began to honor him for his actions. It was not until that year where he was made into an honorary member of the Explorer's Club in New York. It was not until the year 1946 in which Henson was rewarded by the U.S. Navy with a medal. The most worthy award in which Henson received was a gold medal from the Chicago Geographic Society.
It is good to know something about people like this in history, which are not always recognized to a full extent. You may think that because it happened so far back in history, it may be the reason why, but honestly, that cannot be the truth, for this man was not recognized until many years after the expedition had been completed. Years after, after all the thrill and excitement had died down, and people have taken advantage of the newly founded lands, was when he was recognized. This man should not only be recognized for his face, but for his courage and achievement. The name, Matthew Henson, should be remembered.
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