Matthew henson nsn1 26 12

Matthew Henson's Life

By rwpettis
  • Period: to

    Life of Matthew Henson

  • Birth

    Birth

    Born in Charles County, Maryland.
  • Sailed the Seven Seas

    Sailed the Seven Seas

    Went to sea as a cabin boy at only 13 years old.
  • Joined Peary

    Joined Peary

    Joined Robert Peary as his valet while exploring and mapping Nicaragua.
  • North Pole

    North Pole

    Henson and Peary reach the North Pole.
  • Medal of Merit

    Medal of Merit

    Received the U.S. Navy Medal of Merit, but was not invited to attend the presentation ceremony because he was black.
  • Invited to Whitehouse

    Invited to Whitehouse

    Invited to the White House where he met President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
  • Death

    Death

    Henson dies at age 88.
  • First Black honored by Maryland

    First Black honored by Maryland

    State of Maryland places a plaque at its statehouse in honor of Henson. It was the first southern state to so honor any black citizen.