Henson Moves to Arlington Cemetary

Interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, Matthew Henson was buried in a simple grave. The recognition Matthew Henson received was far overdue and it is unfortunate that his highest honors came after his death in 1955.


Dr. S. Allen Counter, a professional explorer, has studied Henson's life and brought much needed attention to what he accomplished in his lifetime. Counter petitioned President Ronald Reagan in 1987 to have Henson and his wife Lucy Ross' remains re-interred in Arlington National Cemetery. After much debate,Counter was granted his request and the Hensons' remains were taken to Washington, D.C. and buried alongside those of Robert and Josephine Peary in April 1988.


It was not until 2000 that Henson was posthumously honored by the National Geographic Society by receiving the Hubbard Medal. This award is one of the highest honors an explorer like Matthew Henson could receive. Bartlett and Peary received the Hubbard Medal for their accomplishments in finding ninety degrees North shortly after returning to the United States from the expedition. As John Fahey, the National Geographic Society president stated during the celebration of Henson's accomplishments, "the Hubbard Medal is awarded for distinction in exploration, discovery and research. Henson embodies what this award stands for. The honor is long overdue."



Image Caption: This photograph titled "Matthew Alexander Henson, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front, wearing fur hat and fur coat" was taken in 1910 and was used as the image on the bronz plaque that has been placed on Matthew Henson and Lucy Ross' plot in Arlington Cemetery, courtesy of the Library of Congress.