# Matthew Henson

> American explorer (1866–1955)

**Wikidata**: [Q976683](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q976683)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Henson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matthew-henson

## Summary
Matthew Henson (1866–1955) was an American explorer and traveler, best known for his role as a guide and companion to Robert Peary during the 1909 expedition to the North Pole. He was the first African American to reach the Arctic and played a crucial role in documenting the expedition’s findings. Henson later worked as a computer scientist and writer, contributing to polar exploration and African American history.

## Biography
- Born: August 8, 1866, in Charles County, Maryland
- Nationality: United States
- Education: No formal education details available
- Known for: Leading the 1909 Peary Arctic expedition as a guide and companion
- Employer(s): No formal employer details available
- Field(s): Polar exploration, computer science, travel

## Contributions
Matthew Henson is best known for his role as a guide and companion to Robert Peary during the 1909 expedition to the North Pole. As the first African American to reach the Arctic, Henson documented the expedition’s findings, including the use of sled dogs and survival techniques. He later worked as a computer scientist and writer, contributing to polar exploration and African American history. Henson received awards such as the Cullum Geographical Medal in 2009 and the Hubbard Medal in 2000, recognizing his contributions to exploration and science.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Matthew Henson’s most famous achievement?
A: Henson was the first African American to reach the Arctic and played a key role in Robert Peary’s 1909 expedition to the North Pole.

### Q: What awards did Matthew Henson receive?
A: He received the Cullum Geographical Medal in 2009 and the Hubbard Medal in 2000 for his contributions to exploration and science.

### Q: What was Henson’s profession besides exploration?
A: Henson worked as a computer scientist and writer, contributing to polar exploration and African American history.

### Q: Where is Matthew Henson buried?
A: He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in New York City.

### Q: What was Henson’s cause of death?
A: Henson died of a stroke in 1955.

## Why They Matter
Matthew Henson’s contributions to polar exploration and African American history are significant. As the first African American to reach the Arctic, he broke barriers and documented critical aspects of Peary’s expedition. His work paved the way for future explorers and highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific endeavors. Henson’s later career as a computer scientist and writer further demonstrated his intellectual versatility. His awards and recognition ensure his legacy as a pioneering figure in both exploration and African American history.

## Notable For
- First African American to reach the Arctic (1909)
- Key guide and companion to Robert Peary’s North Pole expedition
- Received the Cullum Geographical Medal (2009) and Hubbard Medal (2000)
- Contributed to polar exploration and African American history
- Worked as a computer scientist and writer

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Matthew Alexander Henson was born on August 8, 1866, in Charles County, Maryland. He began his career as a guide and traveler, eventually becoming a key figure in polar exploration. Henson’s early work involved guiding expeditions and documenting travel experiences, which later influenced his role in the Arctic.

### Arctic Expedition and Legacy
In 1909, Henson served as a guide and companion to Robert Peary during the expedition to the North Pole. As the first African American to reach the Arctic, Henson played a crucial role in documenting the expedition’s findings, including the use of sled dogs and survival techniques. His contributions were instrumental in the success of the mission.

### Later Career and Awards
After his exploration work, Henson transitioned into computer science and writing. He received the Cullum Geographical Medal in 2009 and the Hubbard Medal in 2000, recognizing his significant contributions to exploration and science. Henson’s later career demonstrated his intellectual versatility and commitment to advancing knowledge.

### Death and Burial
Matthew Henson died on March 9, 1955, from a stroke. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in New York City, where he is honored for his pioneering achievements. His legacy continues to inspire future explorers and historians.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](https://ancexplorer.army.mil/publicwmv/index.html#/arlington-national/)
3. [Source](https://americangeo.org/honors/medals-and-awards/cullum-geographical-medal/)
4. African American Leaders of Maryland: A Portrait Gallery
5. BlackPast.org
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. SNAC
11. Find a Grave
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. BBC Things