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Benjamin Banneker. Born in Maryland on November 9, 1791, the grandchild of former slaves, Banneker is one of the most unrecognized contributors in history to the design of the United States' capitol city - Washington, D.C. Though he was originally a poor farmer, Banneker loved mechanics and astronomy, and at age 58 began the study of astronomy. He was soon predicting future solar and lunar eclipses. He compiled annual almanacs containing the predictions that were published for the years 1792 through 1797. "Benjamin Banneker's Almanac" was a top seller from Pennsylvania to Virginia and even into Kentucky. In 1791, Banneker contributed to the calculations and first-ever surveying for the Federal District, now Washington, D.C. He helped to establish boundaries for the city. Banneker is now known as one of the "first African-American intellectuals," and was praised by Thomas Jefferson himself for his acheivements.

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17y ago

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