April 6, 1909 – Americans Robert Peary and Matthew Henson claimed to be the first men to reach the North Pole.

Matthew Henson, center, waves in a photograph taken by Robert E. Peary in 1909 at or near the North Pole. Standing with Henson are the Inuit members of the team—from left to right, Ooqueah, Ootah, Egingwah, and Seeglo.