Benjamin Banneker
By: Kendall Mitchell
Basic Facts
Birthday: November 9, 1731
Years Lived: 75 years
Occupation: Mathematician, Inventor, Astronomer, and Surveyor
Achievements
Benjamin predicted a solar eclipse in 1789 that contradicted many other well-known astronomers. He was appointed by George Washington to do survey work in Washington D.C. to set the boundaries to make the nations capital. Also he made almanacs filled with lots of information and predictions for many states from 1791 to 1802.
Did you know?
Banneker made a handmade wooden clock, that kept time for more than 40 years, just from looking at his friend's pocket watch.
Birth Place
Ellicott's Mills is where Banneker grew up with his family on their 100-acre farm.
Character Trait
Banneker was a very determined and driven man. He wanted to prove something about African American people and he strived to achieve that.
Be Inspired
Benjamin was mostly self educated because of his parents being slaves. He learned Astronomy from studying the stars at night and math from reading borrowed books.