Matthew Henson: The Pioneering Black Explorer Who Conquered the Arctic
In the chronicles of great explorers, the name Matthew Henson is often overlooked, relegated to a place far removed from the prominence it truly deserves. Henson’s life is one of remarkable courage, perseverance, and tenacity—qualities that would be impressive in any individual, but are even more astounding when one considers the racial prejudices of his time. As a black man born in the United States in the 19th century, Henson faced not only the unforgiving Arctic wilderness but also the relentless social barriers imposed by a world that often denied his very humanity.
The Early Years: A Life Shaped by Hardship
Matthew Alexander Henson was born in 1866 in Charles County, Maryland, to parents who had been enslaved. The scars of the Civil War had only begun to fade, and the Reconstruction era still held the promise of a new beginning for African Americans. But for many, including Henson, life remained a struggle. Orphaned at the tender age of eleven, Henson was sent to live with an uncle, but his restless spirit soon led him to the seas. At the age of twelve, he became a cabin boy aboard the Katie Hines, a merchant ship under the command of Captain Childs. This was where the first seeds of adventure were planted.
Captain Childs, an enlightened man for the times, took an interest in young Henson, educating him in the skills of navigation, seamanship, and the art of survival at sea. “He was my first great benefactor,” Henson would later recall. “I owe him everything.” Under Childs’ tutelage, Henson travelled the world, experiencing lands and cultures far beyond the imagination of most of his countrymen. These voyages not only shaped his identity but also instilled in him the determination that would later carry him to the ends of the earth.
A Fateful Meeting: Robert Peary and the Arctic Quest
Henson’s life changed forever in 1887 when he met Robert Edwin Peary, a civil engineer and naval officer who harboured ambitions of becoming a great Arctic explorer. The two men formed a bond that would endure for decades and would ultimately place them in the annals of exploration history. Peary recognised in Henson a kindred spirit—someone who shared his thirst for adventure and who had the rare skillset needed for Arctic exploration.
In 1891, Henson accompanied Peary on his first expedition to Greenland. While Peary was ostensibly the leader, it was Henson who often became the indispensable man of the team. His abilities as a craftsman, dog-handler, and navigator were invaluable to the success of the expeditions. Henson not only learnt the language and customs of the Inuit people but earned their respect through his willingness to live among them as an equal. His natural affinity for the Inuit, coupled with his ability to build sturdy sledges and handle dogs with skill, made him an invaluable asset to Peary’s Arctic campaigns.
One striking anecdote from these early expeditions speaks volumes about Henson’s adaptability and courage. During one of the harsh winters in Greenland, Henson fell through the ice into freezing water. Without hesitation, he managed to pull himself out, though not without injury. He later remarked with stoic understatement, “It was cold—very cold—but I could not allow myself the luxury of fear.” Such was the mettle of the man.
The Race to the North Pole
Henson’s crowning achievement came in 1909 during Peary’s most famous expedition—the attempt to reach the North Pole. This was no ordinary journey; it was a bitter race against time, the elements, and rival explorers. Peary’s previous attempts to reach the Pole had failed, and the stakes were higher than ever. By this point, Henson had become Peary’s most trusted companion, described by the explorer as “the best man I have with me.”
The expedition began in 1908, with Peary, Henson, and a small team making the final push across the ice in March of the following year. The conditions were brutal, with temperatures plummeting to -40°C, and the endless Arctic night closing in. It was during this final stage that Henson proved to be instrumental. Not only was he the most proficient at managing the dog teams, but he also took on much of the physical labour, breaking trail through the thick snow and ensuring the survival of the expedition members.
On 6th April 1909, Matthew Henson and Robert Peary stood at what they believed to be the North Pole. However, it was Henson who likely arrived first. In his own words, Henson recounted the moment in his understated manner: “I was in the lead that had overshot the mark a couple of miles. We went back, then I could see that my footprints were the first at the spot.”
Despite Henson’s critical role in the expedition, it was Peary who received the bulk of the acclaim, celebrated as the first man to reach the North Pole. Henson, by contrast, was largely ignored by the mainstream press and scientific community, his race undoubtedly playing a significant part in this injustice. In his autobiography, A Negro Explorer at the North Pole, Henson reflected on this disparity with a sense of quiet dignity: “The stars shone in the same sky for all of us.”
Recognition and Legacy
For much of his life, Matthew Henson remained in the shadows of Peary’s fame, yet his contributions did not go entirely unrecognised. The Inuit, with whom Henson had lived and worked closely, bestowed upon him great honour, naming him “Miy Paluk”—a term of deep respect and affection. His peers in the exploration community also acknowledged his talents, though he never received the same institutional recognition as Peary.
As we reflect on Matthew Henson’s extraordinary life, we are reminded of his quiet yet profound words:
“It is up to us to prove ourselves; the white man has no faith in the ability of the black man to rise to real manhood and take a place alongside of him.”
Prove himself, Henson did—on the frozen expanses of the Arctic and in the pages of history. After years of living in relative obscurity despite his achievements, Henson passed away on 9th March 1955, at the age of 88, in New York City. He was survived by his wife, Lucy, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.
It wasn’t until 1988 that the significance of his accomplishments was fully recognised, and his remains were moved to Arlington National Cemetery, where they now rest with full honours near his lifelong companion, Robert Peary. Though he died in quiet dignity, far from the limelight of fame, Henson’s legacy has since been rightfully enshrined in history—his story shining as one of tenacity, bravery, and an unyielding spirit that broke barriers both literal and societal.
A Pioneer Who Broke More Than One Ice Barrier
Matthew Henson’s legacy is one of both geographical discovery and social defiance. As one of the first men to reach the North Pole, he secured his place in history, but as a black man who overcame extraordinary odds, his story carries an even deeper resonance. He broke barriers that were not only physical but societal, achieving feats that many considered impossible for someone of his race at the time.
In 2000, Henson’s contribution to Arctic exploration was commemorated with the issuance of a US postal stamp, a small but symbolic recognition of his enduring legacy. More importantly, his story continues to inspire new generations of explorers and adventurers, showing that courage, determination, and skill transcend the artificial divisions of race and class.
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