Explorer Matthew Henson, with Robert Peary's expedition, is among the first to reach the North Pole - and likely the first to stand at it.
At a Glance
- Date
- 6 April 1909
- Location
- North Pole (Arctic)
- Key people
- Matthew Henson
- Category
- Science, Medicine & Invention
- Source
- Expedition records (1909) · National Geographic Society
What It Meant Then
His feat was long minimized because he was Black.
What It Means Now
Henson is now recognized as a co-discoverer of the Pole and a pioneering explorer.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Matthew Henson Reaches the North Pole.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/matthew-henson-reaches-the-north-pole/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Matthew Henson Reaches the North Pole. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/matthew-henson-reaches-the-north-pole/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Matthew Henson Reaches the North Pole.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/matthew-henson-reaches-the-north-pole/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.