In 1909, American explorer Matthew Henson became the first person to set foot at the geographic North Pole. He was part of an expedition led by Robert Peary and was chosen to lead the final push to the Pole due to his advanced scouting skills and experience in Arctic survival. Henson reportedly reached the North Pole ahead of Peary on April 6, 1909, and planted the American flag there, making him the first person to set foot on the North Pole according to his own accounts and historical recognitions.