In 1909, American explorer Matthew Henson became the first person to set foot where
The South Pole
Antarctica
The North Pole
Mount Everest’s summit
Fact: Matthew Henson, an African American explorer, played a crucial role in early 20th-century Arctic expeditions led by Robert Peary. On April 6, 1909, he was the first of their team to reach the North Pole, making him one of the most significant—yet often overlooked—figures in polar exploration. Despite the racial prejudice of the era, Henson’s survival skills, mastery of Inuit language and culture, and years of experience in extreme conditions were instrumental to the expedition’s success. Today, he is recognized as a trailblazer whose achievement at the “top of the world” reshaped exploration history.
Correct Answer: The North Pole