Matthew Henson

Matthew Henson (1866–1955) was an American Arctic explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on multiple expeditions, including the 1909 expedition that claimed to reach the North Pole.

Robert Peary: Robert Peary was an American naval officer and Arctic explorer who led expeditions that claimed to reach the North Pole in 1909. Henson joined Peary’s expeditions for more than two decades and became his closest expedition partner.
Dog sled: A dog sled is a vehicle pulled by dogs over snow or ice. Henson’s experience driving sledges helped move people and supplies across Arctic terrain.
1891–1892 Peary expedition: The 1891–1892 Peary expedition was an American-led Arctic expedition to northwestern Greenland. Henson accompanied Peary and gained experience that supported later journeys.
A Negro Explorer at the North Pole: A Negro Explorer at the North Pole is Matthew Henson’s 1912 memoir of Arctic exploration. Henson’s account records his experiences and his role in the expedition.
Ootah: Ootah was an Inughuit hunter who accompanied Robert Peary’s 1909 North Pole expedition. He traveled with Henson and Peary on the final journey toward the pole.
Inughuit: The Inughuit are an Inuit people of northwestern Greenland, with communities around the Thule region. Their Arctic knowledge and labor were central to Peary’s expeditions and Henson’s work.
1893–1895 Peary expedition: The 1893–1895 Peary expedition was an American-led Arctic expedition that explored northern Greenland. Henson participated in the expedition’s demanding work and long Arctic residence.
Congressional Gold Medal: The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. Congress awarded Henson the medal in 1944, decades after the North Pole expedition.
Egingwah: Egingwah was an Inughuit hunter who accompanied Robert Peary’s 1909 North Pole expedition. His skill and local knowledge contributed to the party’s final push across the Arctic sea ice.
Arctic clothing: Arctic clothing is insulated, layered attire designed to limit heat loss in extreme cold. Henson learned to use locally adapted clothing that better suited prolonged travel in the cold.

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