World of faces

Famous people all over the world

Benjamin Banneker – first African American scientist

Benjamin Banneker – first African American scientist

Benjamin Banneker – first African American scientist


Benjamin Banneker was one of the first distinguished African American scientists and mathematicians. He was also an inventor and a writer.
Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Maryland. He was the son of an African slave, who had bought his own freedom. His mother was the daughter of an Englishwoman and a free African slave.
The boy had little schooling, but he was fond of reading.
He lived on the farm for nearly all of his life and worked as a tobacco planter.
In 1753 at the age of 22, Benjamin designed and built a wooden clock. It was the first clock of its type. The clock operated successfully until the time of his death.
His father died in 1759 and Banneker lived with his mother and sisters.

In 1791 Banneker began to publish a yearly astronomical almanac. His almanacs were praised by European scientists. The publication contained the Motions of the Sun and Moon, the True Places and Aspects of the Planets, the Rising and Setting of the Sun, Place and Age of the Moon, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Festivals, and other remarkable Days and many more.
He also wrote essays and pamphlets arguing against slavery and war, and corresponded with Thomas Jefferson, drafter of the United States Declaration of Independence, on these topics.
Abolitionists and advocates of racial equality promoted and praised his works.
In the 1790s Banneker helped to reproduce city plans of the new national capital of Washington, D.C.
He never married.
Benjamin Banneker died on October 9, 1806 (one month before his 75th birthday) in Baltimore, Maryland, and was buried in the family burial ground near his house.
Banneker was the first African American scientist.
American postage stamp was dedicated to Banneker. A number of recreational and cultural facilities, schools, streets and other facilities and institutions throughout the United States were named after Banneker.
Benjamin Banneker – first African American scientist

Benjamin Banneker – first African American scientist