Benjamin banneker biography of inventions pictures

1731-1806

Who Was Benjamin Banneker?

A free Black man who owned a farm near Baltimore, Benjamin Banneker was largely self-educated in astronomy and mathematics.

The 18^th century intellectual used his knowledge to create a series of almanacs in the 1790s. He also helped survey territory for the construction of the American capital city, Washington D.C. An early civil rights advocate, Banneker exchanged letters with Thomas Jefferson, politely challenging the then-Secretary of State to do what he could to ensure racial equality.

Benjamin banneker biography of inventions pictures and names

Banneker died at age 74 in October 1806.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Benjamin Banneker
BORN: November 9, 1731
DIED: October 9, 1806
BIRTHPLACE: Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Scorpio

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731, in Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland—now known as Ellicott City.

He was the son of an ex-slave named Robert and his wife, Mary Banneky. Mary was the daughter of an Englishwom