Matthew Henson

African-American explorer Matthew Henson was born in Charles County, Maryland in 1866.

When he was 12, he left to work as a cabin boy on a ship. For 6 years, he learned navigation skills. He also learned to read and write. After the captain of the ship died, Matthew returned to Washington, D.C. to work as a clerk in a store. There, he met an explorer named Robert Peary. Peary hired Matthew as an assistant for his journeys.

Matthew Henson and Robert Peary went on many expeditions to Greenland together. They tried to reach the North Pole many times, but they did not make it at first because the journey was very difficult and dangerous. Many people died. After trying again, the explorers finally became the first people to reach the North Pole.

Matthew wrote a book about his journey to the North Pole. He also received many awards and honors for his achievements.