Matthew Henson was an explorer who spent nearly two decades on Arctic expeditions with Robert Peary.
In 1909, Henson and Peary led an expedition that claimed to reach the North Pole. Henson’s skill with navigation, dog sleds and Inuit language was essential to the team.
Key Facts
- Lived: 1866 to 1955
- Explored the Arctic over about 18 years
- Honored with a medal by Congress in 1944
- Reburied at Arlington National Cemetery in 1988
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