Facts about Benjamin Banneker

At the age of 28, following his father Robert's death, Benjamin Banneker assumed ownership of the family farm and became responsible for his mother and sisters.

Benjamin Banneker died on October 9, 1806, at age 74, in his log cabin.

Benjamin Banneker was born near Ellicot City, Maryland, on November 9, 1731.

Benjamin Banneker, originally Banna Ka, or Bannakay (November 9, 1731 – October 9, 1806) was a free African American mathematician, astronomer, clockmaker, and publisher.

Benjamin Banneker learned to read and write from his grandmother, Molly, who encouraged him to practice reading from a large Bible she had ordered from England.

Benjamin Banneker saw an opportunity to demonstrate what a person of African descent could achieve by publishing Almanacs in both Baltimore and Philadelphia.