Hidden untold history you will not find in library
2025
Benjamin Banneker was a self-taught African American mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor who played a crucial role in the early planning of Washington, D.C. Born in 1731 in Maryland to a free African American mother and a former enslaved African father, Banneker had a sharp intellect and a passion for science. Despite having little formal education, he became known for his skills in astronomy, which allowed him to predict solar eclipses accurately. His knowledge of mathematics and land surveying made him an invaluable figure during the early years of the United States. In 1791, Banneker was appointed by Major Andrew Ellicott to assist in surveying the land that would become the nation’s capital. Ellicott had been commissioned by President George Washington to map out the new federal city, and Banneker was brought in to help due to his expertise. According to historical accounts, when Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the French architect originally assigned to design Washington, D.C., abruptly left the project, Banneker was able to reproduce much of L’Enfant’s original plans from memory, ensuring that the city's design was preserved. While Banneker was not the sole designer, his contributions were instrumental in the project’s continuation. Beyond his role in the city’s planning, Banneker was also an advocate for racial equality. He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson, challenging the contradictions between slavery and the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. His letter to Jefferson, along with his almanacs filled with scientific observations, demonstrated the intellectual capabilities of African Americans at a time when racist beliefs sought to deny them recognition. Banneker’s legacy lives on as a symbol of perseverance, intelligence, and contribution to American history, especially as an early African American scientist and surveyor who helped shape the nation’s capital. #Benjamin_Banneker #USA #America #Washington-DC