Benjamin Banneker was a scientist, astronomer, inventor
and writer. Banneker was one of the first African Americans
to be recognized for his accomplishments in science.
In 1753, he built the first watch made in America, a
wooden pocket watch. Twenty years later, Banneker made
astronomical calculations that predicted a 1789 solar
eclipse. His estimate was different than ones made by more
well-known mathematicians and astronomers of the time.
Banneker was right!
Banneker is best known for the six annual Farmer's
Almanacs he published between 1792 and 1797. These almanacs
included information on machines and medical treatment, and
listed tides, astronomical information, and eclipses, all
calculated by Banneker himself.
Banneker's mechanical and mathematical abilities
impressed many, including Thomas Jefferson who met Banneker
while he was working with the surveying team that laid out
Washington D.C.
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