Matthew Henson

First Person To Set Foot On The North Pole 

I can still see his face and remember the strong mustache. The picture had him in a Parka with fur around the collar when I first learned about him in elementary school. 

I’m talking about Matthew Henson, the African American who was the first to reach the North Pole. 

In our previous blog, we talked about the need to teach and inform this generation of children about our rich history. Especially since there is a desire to hide it. 

Since the weather in Northern Illinois has been extremely brutal, we thought it befitting that we talk about an African American man that braved the artic weather and was the first one to set foot on the North Pole. 

That man is Matthew Henson.  

Born in Nanjemoy, Maryland in 1866, his parents moved Georgetown due to attacks by the KKK.  Matthew Henson relocated to Baltimore.

And Then He Met Frederick Douglass

When he was 10 years old, Matthew Henton was inspired by esteemed orator, social reformer and statesmen, Frederick Douglass. When Frederick Douglass was speaking honoring Abraham Lincoln, encouraged the Black community to pursue education as a means to address racial prejudice. 

Matthew Henson took those words to heart and put them to use. After his parents passed, he went to the port of Baltimore and got a job as a cabin boy onboard a merchant ship.  This allowed Matthew to travel the globe and to gain skills as a sailor and craftsman. Captain Childs taught him how to read and write. Again, putting to use the words of Frederick Douglass. 

A Meeting On Purpose

While working in a department store, Matthew met Commander Robert Peary. He hired him on the spot and would eventually go on seven Artic expeditions with Peary.  Matthew’s previous sailing experience, desire to learn more along with his interest cause him to be promoted to ‘first man’ on future expeditions. 

When they went on an excursion to determine if Greenland was an island or a Canadian peninsula, Matthew took it upon himself to learn the Greenland Inuit language.  By showing interest in their language and culture, Matthew earned the nickname, “Matthew the kind one.”

He mastered the skills of dogsled construction, dog training and dogsledding.  These skills would prove beneficial on their further Artic expeditions. 

His Skills Proved To Be Valuable  

On their final Artic expedition to reach the North Pole, Matthew Henson and Robert Peary began with 24 men, 19 sleds and 133 dogs.  

On their final Artic expedition, Matthew’s skills were instrumental when he, Robert Peary and four Inuit and 40 dogs made the final trip of reaching the North Pole, April 6, 1909!

Matthew Henson’s feet were the first ones to set foot on the North Pole.

When they returned, Robert Peary, of course received all the fame and glory but is later quoted as saying, “Henson must go all the way.  I can’t make it there without him.”

Again, African Americans are rich in our achievements and we must be sure to share this rich history with the next generations.

What was the most amazing part of Matthew Henson’s life to you?  Please share in the comments.

Picture Credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Matthew_Henson_1910.jpg