On Top of the World

The North Pole is one of Earth’s most extreme places. Temperatures can drop to 40 degrees below zero. It’s in the frozen Arctic Ocean, so there is no land—only huge slabs of ice. The ice often breaks, putting those walking on it in danger of falling through.

That didn’t stop African American explorer Matthew Henson. He was part of a team that made a famous expedition to the North Pole.   

In 1891, Henson became an assistant to explorer Robert Peary. They tried to reach the North Pole several times.

“I can’t make it there without him,” Peary said of his trusted friend.

They finally reached their destination on April 6, 1909. Experts believe they were the first people to set foot on the top of the world!

For their 1909 journey, Henson built the sleds that carried the team across the ice. He also trained the others to use the sleds.

When they returned home, Peary was celebrated as a hero. But Henson was mostly ignored because he was Black. Decades later, Henson finally received the same honors as Peary. Today, he is recognized as one of America’s most important explorers.