Matthew Henson's Final Attempt to Reach the North Pole

The Roosevelt leaves New York.

Jul 6, 1908

The Roosevelt left New York on their way to Cape Sheridan to start their expedition.

Oyster Bay

Jul 7, 1908

At Oyster Bay, New York, President Theodore Roosevelt came on board to wish them luck.

Cape Sheridan

Sep 5, 1908

The Roosevelt arrived at Cape Sheridan, Matt had to train the new men in dog driving, igloo building, and survival. He made the sledges and the alcohol stoves.

Ready to go to the North Pole

Feb 1, 1909

The men were ready to go to the North Pole. Each man took a special possesion. Each sledge carried 450 pounds of supplies, enough to last one man- 50 days.

Heading Out

Feb 28, 1909

Bartlett and Borup left Cape Columbia to pioneer the trail.

Matthew's Turn

Mar 1, 1909

Matthew Henson waited for Peary's command to go and then he took off to the North Pole.

Meeting Up Again!

Mar 4, 1909

Henson and Pearyt caught up with Bartlett on the Big Lead. They were stuck there, because it hadn't frozen over yet.

Still Waiting

Mar 5, 1909

Matt saw the sun finally. The weather was perfect, but they still could not cross the Big Lead.

Get Across!!!!

Mar 11, 1909

The Big Lead finally froze over, and the men got across.

See you later, Ross Marvin!

Mar 26, 1909

It was Ross Marvin's turn to go back, he wished Matt good luck getting to the pole.

Bartlett Jumps to Safety!

Mar 29, 1909

Peary and Henson caught up to Bartlett. Bartlett was caught on an ice floe, when the ice cracked, and was floating away. Thankfully, he was quick enough to jump to safety.

Bartlett's Turn to Go Back!

Apr 1, 1909

Bartlett had to go back. He was disappointed, but he understood why Matt should be the one to continue on. Henson and Peary repaired the sledges, and prepared to go on.

Peary Leads the Way!

Apr 2, 1909

Robert Peary started out on foot in front of Matthew Henson. Matt saw the full moon and the sun in the sky at the same time.

Matt's Dangerous Moment

Apr 3, 1909

Matthew Henson fell into the freezing Arctic water and Ootah saved his life.

Almost There!!!

Apr 6, 1909

At noon when Peary took measurements he was three miles from the North Pole- Top of the World was so close.

Planting the Stars and Stripes

Apr 8, 1909

More Information on Matthew HensonMatthew Henson took four more measurements before declding that they had finally reached the North Pole. The men took pictures with the United States flag.

Back to the Roosevelt

Apr 23, 1909

Information on Matthew HensonAfter finally reaching the North Pole, Matthew Henson,
Robert Peary, and the Eskimos arrived back to Cape Columbia and were able to rellax for the first time in 68 days.