Matthew A. Henson

Honored in 2015, Matthew A. Henson (1866-1955) was the first African American Artic explorer.

He was born in Maryland. Henson’s parents were free people before the American Civil War. After the death of his parents, Henson moved to Baltimore, MD with his Uncle.

Soon after his parent’s death, he went to sea as a cabin boy on a merchant vessel named the Katie Hines. The Master of the vessel, Captain Childs, took a liking to Henson and taught him how to read and write. For the next several years, Henson sailed all over the world with Childs. He visited such ports as China, Japan, the Philippines, France, Africa as well as southern Russia. Under Childs Henson learned geography, math, and history. Henson also learned general seamanship and became a skilled navigator.

After a number of years at sea, Henson came ashore and while working in a clothing store, he met the explorer Robert Peary. After learning of Henson’s sea experience, Peary recruited him to go to sea with an expedition. After their first voyage, Peary was so impressed with Henson’s seamanship and navigational skills, that he made Henson his first man. Henson partnered with Peary on seven voyages over a period of nearly 23 years. Six of those voyages, over 18 years, were in expeditions to the Artic. Over those years Henson served as a navigator and craftsman, trader as well as interpreter, learning the Inuit language. During their 1909 expedition to Greenland, Henson, Peary and four Inuit men have been credited with being the first to reach the geographic North Pole.

Now, while Admiral Peary received recognition throughout his life, Henson suffered the disgrace of a black hero in the early 20th century. He was refused a pension by Congress and was denied membership in the New York Explorer’s Club of which Peary was a member. In later years, Henson was finally admitted as a member to the New York Explorer’s Club (at age 70), received a Medal by the U.S. Navy and one by the Chicago Geographic Society. In 1947, Henson published his autobiography, Dark Companion.

Mr. Henson passed away March 9, 1955, in the Bronx, NY. He was refused burial in Arlington National Cemetery where his partner, Admiral Peary lay. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan granted permission for the remains of Henson as well as his wife to be moved near those of Admiral Peary, a fitting resting place for this true hero!