Banneker, Benjamin

Impact on the world

One of the earliest known African-American scientists, Banneker assisted in surveying the original boundaries of Washington, D.C., and authored widely read almanacs.

Life & background

A self-taught mathematician and astronomer, Banneker constructed a working wooden clock entirely from memory after examining a pocket watch, and went on to author several almanacs. He assisted in the original survey of the boundaries of the future Washington, D.C.

Sources

1. Smithsonian Magazine; Encyclopædia Britannica; Library of Congress