2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) a self-educated scientist, astronomer, inventor, writer, and antislavery publicist. He built the first American striking clock entirely from wood, published a Farmers' Almanac, and actively campaigned against slavery. He was one of the first African Americans to gain distinction in science. Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, 4p., March 21, 1791 (Philadelphia), from page three; George-Town, March 12. In part, "Some time last month arrived ... Mr. Andrew Ellicot a gentleman of superior astronomical abilities. He was employed by the President of the United States of America to lay a tract of land ten miles square on the Potowmac for the use of Congress .... He is attended by Benjamin Banniker, an Ethiopian, whose abilities as surveyor and astronomer clearly prove that Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson's concluding that race of men were void of mental endowment was entirely without foundation." Fine. Banneker and Ellicott worked closely with Pierre L'Enfant, the architect in charge. However, L'Enfant could not control his temper and was fired. He left, taking all the plans with him. But Banneker saved the day by recreating the plans from memory.
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