Benjamin Banneker - Knowledge

8346:"Baltimore, August 20, 1791. BENJAMIN BANNEKER, a free black, is about fifty-nine years of age; he was born in Baltimore county; his father was an African, and his mother the offspring of African parents. – His father and mother having obtained their freedom, were enabled to send him to an obscure school, where he learned, when a boy, reading, writing, and arithmetic as far as double position; and to leave him, at their deaths, a few acres of land, upon which he has supported himself ever since by means of economy and constant labour, and preserved a fair reputation. To struggle incessantly against want is no ways favourable to improvement: what he had learned, however, he did not forget; for as some hours of leisure will occur in the most toilsome life, he availed himself of these, not to read and acquire knowledge from writings of genius and discovery, for of such he had none, but to digest and apply, as occasions presented, the few principles of the few rules of arithmetic he had been taught at school. This kind of mental exercise formed his chief amusement, and soon gave him a facility in calculation that was often serviceable to his neighbours, and at length attracted the attention of the Messrs. Ellicott, a family remarkable for their ingenuity and turn to the useful mechanics. It is about three years since Mr. George Ellicott lent him Mayer's Tables, Ferguson's Astronomy, Leadbeater's Lunar Tables, and some astronomic instruments, but without accompanying them with either hint or instruction, that might further his studies, or lead him to apply them to any useful result. These books and instruments, the first of the kind he had ever seen, opened a new world to Benjamin, and from thenceforward he employed his leisure in astronomical researches. He now took up the idea of the calculations for an Almanack, and actually completed an entire set for the last year, upon his original stock of arithmetic. Encouraged by this first attempt, he entered upon his calculation for 1792, which, as well as the former, he began and finished without the least information of assistance from any person, or other books than those I have mentioned; so that whatever merit is attached to his present performance, is exclusively and peculiarly his own. I have been the more careful to investigate those particulars, and to ascertain their reality, as they form an interesting fact in the History of Man; and as you may want them to gratify curiosity, I have no objection to your selecting them for your account of Benjamin." 15187:"An exhaustive search of government repositories, including the Public Buildings and Grounds files in the National Archives, and various collections in the Library of Congress, failed to turn up Banneker's name on any of the contemporary documents or records related to the selection, planning and survey of the City of Washington. Nor was he mentioned in any of the surviving correspondence and papers of Andrew Ellicott and of Pierre Charles L'Enfant. .... Although the exact date of Banneker's departure from the survey is not specified in Ellicott's report of expenditures, it occurred sometime late in the month of April 1791, following the arrival of one of Ellicott's brothers. It was not until some ten months after Banneker's departure from the scene that L'Enfant was dismissed, by means of a letter from Jefferson dated February 27, 1792. This conclusively dispels any basis for the legend that after L'Enfant's dismissal and his refusal to make available his plan of the city, Banneker recollected the plan in detail from which Ellicott was able to reconstruct it. Equally untrue and in fact impossible is the legend that Thomas Jefferson as secretary of state invited Banneker to luncheon at the White House. Jefferson during this period was in Philadelphia, the national capital in Washington had yet not been built, and there was no White House." 2694:"An exhaustive search of government repositories, including the Public Buildings and Grounds files in the National Archives, and various collections in the Library of Congress, failed to turn up Banneker's name on any of the contemporary documents or records related to the selection, planning and survey of the City of Washington. Nor was he mentioned in any of the surviving correspondence and papers of Andrew Ellicott and of Pierre Charles L'Enfant. .... Although the exact date of Banneker's departure from the survey is not specified in Ellicott's report of expenditures, it occurred sometime late in the month of April 1791, following the arrival of one of Ellicott's brothers. It was not until some ten months after Banneker's departure from the scene that L'Enfant was dismissed, by means of a letter from Jefferson dated February 27, 1792. This conclusively dispels any basis for the legend that after L'Enfant's dismissal and his refusal to make available his plan of the city, Banneker recollected the plan in detail from which Ellicott was able to reconstruct it. Equally untrue and in fact impossible is the legend that Thomas Jefferson as secretary of state invited Banneker to luncheon at the White House. Jefferson during this period was in Philadelphia, the national capital in Washington had yet not been built, and there was no White House." 2578:(New York, 1972), a work of painstaking research and scrupulous attention to accuracy which also benefits from the author's discovery of important and hitherto unavailable manuscript sources. However, as Bedini points out, the story of Banneker's involvement in the survey of the Federal District "rests on extremely meager documentation" (p. 104). This consists of a single mention by TJ, two brief statements by Banneker himself, and the newspaper allusion quoted above. In consequence, Bedini's otherwise reliable biography accepts the version of Banneker's role in this episode as presented in reminiscences of nineteenth-century authors. These recollections, deriving in large part from members of the Ellicott family, who were prompted by Quaker inclinations to justice and equality, have compounded the confusion. The nature of TJ's connection with Banneker is treated in the Editorial Note to the group of documents under 30 Aug. 1791, but because of the obscured record it is necessary here to attempt a clarification of the role of this modest, self-taught tobacco farmer in the laying out of the national capital. 15119:"Benjamin Banneker's name does not appear on any of the contemporary documents or records relating to the selection, planning, and survey of the City of Washington. An exhaustive search of the files under Public Buildings and Grounds in the U.S. National Archives and of the several collections in the Library of Congress have proved fruitless. A careful perusal of all known surviving correspondence and papers of Andrew Ellicott and of Pierre Charles L'Enfant has likewise failed to reveal mention of Banneker. This conclusively dispels the legend that after L'Enfant's dismissal and his refusal to make available his plan of the city, Ellicott was able to reconstruct it in detail from Banneker's recollection. Equally untrue are legends that Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State invited Banneker to luncheon at the White House. Jefferson during this period was in Philadelphia, the national capital had not yet been built, and there was no White House.” 2485:"Benjamin Banneker's name does not appear on any of the contemporary documents or records relating to the selection, planning, and survey of the City of Washington. An exhaustive search of the files under Public Buildings and Grounds in the U.S. National Archives and of the several collections in the Library of Congress have proved fruitless. A careful perusal of all known surviving correspondence and papers of Andrew Ellicott and of Pierre Charles L'Enfant has likewise failed to reveal mention of Banneker. This conclusively dispels the legend that after L'Enfant's dismissal and his refusal to make available his plan of the city, Ellicott was able to reconstruct it in detail from Banneker's recollection. Equally untrue are legends that Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State invited Banneker to luncheon at the White House. Jefferson during this period was in Philadelphia, the national capital had not yet been built, and there was no White House.” 1468: 1618: 1691: 11397:... Wefald writes that when Jefferson received a letter and almanac from Benjamin Banneker, Jefferson was "honest enough to change his position." Jefferson did not say that he had changed his opinion of the intellectual abilities of blacks. In his letter to Banneker, Aug. 30, 1791, Jefferson merely said: "No body wishes more than I do to see such proofs as you exhibit, that nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colors of men, and that the appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence, both in Africa & America." Closely read, Jefferson's letter is only an indication that he "wishes to see such proofs", but there is no definite indication that he changed his mind. On Banneker's abilities Jefferson was ambivalent. 3662:. "Benjamin Banneker, free black, farmer, mathematician, and astronomer, was born on November 9, 1731, the son of freed slaves Robert and Mary Bannaky, probably near the Patapsco River southeast of Baltimore, Maryland, where his father owned a small farm. For some years, Benjamin seems to have served as an indentured laborer on the Prince George’s County plantation of Mary Welsh, who had dealings with the Bannaky family and in 1773 executed her dead husband’s instructions to release several of her labor force including “Negro Ben, born free age 43.” Walsh was surely not Banneker’s grandmother, as argued by many biographers, but she did leave him a substantial legacy. He then lived alone as a tobacco farmer near the Patapsco River." 641: 1120: 4184:"Martha Tyson's posthumous book was the last work about Banneker to be based on original materials. During the next several decades, numerous articles in periodicals and newspapers mentioned Banneker's life and works, but each was based on earlier publications without contributing new materials. .... Finally, in 1949 another biography of Banneker appeared. This work by Shirley Graham was highly fictionalized and written for young people. It became popular, but the lack of distinction between fact and fiction in its presentation, while a compliment to the writing skill of Shirley Graham, has resulted in yet more confusion concerning Banneker's achievements and their importance." 14757:

candlesticks, documents and other items is expected to sign an agreement allowing the museum to display the artifacts for 20 years. .... Items auctioned in Bethesda in September came from a descendant of the Ellicotts, a white family that forged a strong friendship with the scientist, who died in 1806. Among them: a maple and pine drop-leaf table believed to have been lent to Banneker by the Ellicott family, two candlesticks and a candle mold, a ledger from the Ellicott & Co. general store noting purchases by Banneker, and several documents and letters pertaining to Banneker and the Ellicotts. ..... Friedman, a history buff, donated the artifacts to a

8172:"The woodcut appears to have been drawn by an artist who had neither seen Banneker nor heard a description of him but who obviously intended to render an idealized portrait of a black man. It represents a Negro male of medium frame in his late youth. At this time, Banneker was in fact sixty-three years of age, suffering from arthritis or rheumatism, and his physical appearance may have reflected to some degree his past illnesses and disabilities. He was described as being relatively fleshy, with a stocky build, which leaves no doubt that the portrait was in fact no more than an artist's conception of a young male Negro youth." 1437:

federal city on the Patowmac, & in the intervals of his leisure, while on that work, he made an Almanac for the next year, which he sent me in his own hand writing, & which I inclose to you. I have seen very elegant solutions of Geometrical problems by him. Add to this that he is a very worthy & respectable member of society. He is a free man. I shall be delighted to see these instances of moral eminence so multiplied as to prove that the want of talents observed in them is merely the effect of their degraded condition, and not proceeding from any difference in the structure of the parts on which intellect depends.

14299:(1771–1857) had the book rebound in Russian leather in 1852, and at this date most likely combined the astronomical journal with some of Banneker's loose manuscripts as well as a day book. At some unknown date the astronomical journal left MdHS and returned to the hands of the Ellicott family. It stayed there, away from the public's eye until 1987 when Ellicott family descendant Dorothea West Fitzhugh donated it in honor of her late husband Robert Tyson Fitzhugh. In 1999 MdHS sent the journal to the Center for Conservation in Philadelphia where it was rebound, deacidified, and given full conservation treatment. 589: 394: 3259:(Banneker's clock) may have been the first clock ever assembled completely from American parts, according to (Elizabeth Ross) Haynes (although other historians have since disputed this). ... The plans for the large city were laid out by French architect and engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who volunteered for service in the American Revolution's Continental Army and was hired for the project by George Washington in 1791. Before long, however, tensions mounted over its direction and progress of the project, and when L'Enfant was fired in 1792, he took off with the plans in tow. 2767:

accomplished. Many state, for example, that Banneker's clock was an exact copy of one he saw, which is not true – he figured out the mathematics and physics on his own for a clock made out of wood, instead of trying simply to copy the small pocket watch that he was lent to observe. However remarkable this clock was, it was not the first clock made in America. Other sources continually repeat the myth that when Pierre l'Enfant was fired from the job of laying out the new Federal City, Benjamin Banneker recreated l'Enfant's plans from memory. Bedini lays this myth to rest .....

498: 96: 11805:"..., but that having taken up my pen in order to direct to you as a present a copy of my Almanac which I have calculated for the Succeeding year, ..... and altho I had almost declined to make my calculation for the ensuing year, in consequence of that time which I had allotted therefor being taking up at the Federal Territory by the request of Mr. Andrew Ellicott, yet finding my Self underal several engagements to printers of this State to whom I have communicated my design, on my return to my place of residence, I industrially applied my Self thereto, ...." 15113:"The name of Benjamin Banneker, the Afro-American self-taught mathematician and almanac-maker, occurs again and again in the several published accounts of the survey of Washington City begun in 1791, but with conflicting reports of the role which he played. Writers have implied a wide range of involvement, from the keeper of horses or supervisor of the woodcutters, to the full responsibility of not only the survey of the ten-mile square but the design of the city as well. None of these accounts has described the contribution which Banneker actually made." 2479:"The name of Benjamin Banneker, the Afro-American self-taught mathematician and almanac-maker, occurs again and again in the several published accounts of the survey of Washington City begun in 1791, but with conflicting reports of the role which he played. Writers have implied a wide range of involvement, from the keeper of horses or supervisor of the woodcutters, to the full responsibility of not only the survey of the ten-mile square but the design of the city as well. None of these accounts has described the contribution which Banneker actually made." 1302: 1349:.... Sir, how pitiable is it to reflect, that altho you were so fully convinced of the benevolence of the Father of mankind, and of his equal and impartial distribution of those rights and privileges which he had conferred upon them, that you should at the same time counteract his mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren under groaning captivity and cruel oppression, that you should at the Same time be found guilty of that most criminal act, which you professedly detested in others, with respect to your Selves. 1238: 780: 2509:

that Banneker produced the first clock made entirely with American parts, that Jefferson promised Banneker that he would end slavery, that George Ellicott worked with Banneker in the survey of Washington, that Banneker was appointed to the Commission at a suggestion made by Jefferson to Washington, and that Banneker selected the sites of the principal buildings. The fiction that Banneker re-created L'Enfant's plan from memory is again presented, and his almanacs are said to have been published for a period of ten years."

17268: 4946:"He (Banneker) now took up the idea for calculations for an almanac, and actually completed and entire set for the last year, upon his original stock of arithmetic. Encouraged by this first attempt, he entered upon his calculation for 1792, which as well as the former, he began and finished without the least information, or assistance, from any person or other books, than those that I have mentioned; so that, whatever merit is attached to his present performance, is exclusively and peculiarly his own." 14106:, who developed and marketed the invention. Jefferson was one of his most eager clients, purchasing one for the President's House and one for Monticello. He soon exchanged these machines for new ones, as Peale continued to perfect the design — often according to Jefferson's suggestions. By 1809 Jefferson wrote that "the use of the polygraph has spoiled me for the old copying press the copies of which are hardly ever legible . . . . I could not, now therefore, live without the Polygraph." 17478: 8166:"The woodcut represents a representation of Banneker with a tendency to idealize his appearance. It represents a Negro male in his late youth or early middle age, of medium frame. At this time, Banneker was sixty-three years of age and his physical appearance undoubtedly reflected to some degree his past illnesses and discomfort. He was described as being relatively fleshy, which leaves no doubt that the portrait was in fact no more than an artist's conjecture of his appearance." 1112: 1375:

owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence both in Africa & America. I can add with truth that no body wishes more ardently to see a good system commenced for raising the condition both of their body & mind to what it ought to be, as fast as the imbecillity of their present existence, and other circumstance which cannot be neglected, will admit. I have taken the liberty of sending your almanac to Monsieur de Condorcet, Secretary of the

4000:

part, Witnesseth that the deed Richard Gist for and in consideration of the sum of seven thousand pounds of tobacco whence paid to the said Richard Gist the receipt whereof he do able by these presents acquits and discharges them the said Robert Bannaky and Benjamin Bannaky his son thereon heirs and assign for over one hundred acres of land lying in the said county circumscribed by the bounds hereafter by profit being the moiety of a hundred acres of land.

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that he was present only during the few weeks early in 1791 when the rough preliminary survey of the ten mile square was made; that, after this was concluded and before the final survey was begun, he returned to his farm and his astronomical studies in April, accompanying Ellicott part way on his brief journey back to Philadelphia; and that thenceforth he had no connection with the mapping of the seat of government. ...

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Banneker's life as one of mythical success and unprecedented exceptionalism easily draws an audience, but it washes over what might be more intellectually rewarding questions about the man's life. .... For now, the legend of Benjamin Banneker will continue to exist in his old almanacs and in present culture, serving as an inspiring enigma for those who wonder what lies beyond the surface-level stories of the past.

5365:. "And altho I had almost declined to make my calculation for the ensuing year, in consequence of that time which I had allotted therefor being taking up at the Federal Territory by the request of Mr. Andrew Ellicott, yet finding myself under several engagments to Printers of this state, to whom I had communicated my design, upon my return to my place of residence, I industriously applied myself thereto, ....". 17454: 17442: 4829:'s astronomy, Leadbeater's lunar tables and some astronomical instruments, but without accompanying them with either hint or instruction, that might further his studies, or lead him to apply them to any useful result. These books and instruments, the first of the kind that he had ever seen, opened a new world to Benjamin, and from thence forward he employed his leisure in astronomical researches." 11552:

letter to Jefferson the day before, chastising him for holding slaves and questioning his sincerity as a "friend of liberty." .... In a polite response to Banneker's August 1791 letter, Jefferson expressed his ambivalent feelings about slavery and assured the surveyor that "no body wishes more ardently to see a good system commenced for raising the condition" of blacks "to what it ought to be."

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the Negroes is worthy of attention, because their suppressors seem to lay great stress on their supposed inferior mental abilities." A biographer wrote that Banneker replied to Rittenhouse's endorsement by stating: "I am annoyed to find that the subject of my race is so much stressed. The work is either correct or it is not. In this case, I believe it to be perfect."

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like Banneker with the real moral and professional greatness, and then exaggerate a story with things uncertain. Why do we embellish historical figures in general? Maybe in this case, there is something to prove black people have latched onto the great figures to prove competence and to prove value. Maybe it really was thought to be the truth.

15098:, a thick stack of loose-leaf background papers for teachers, commissioned to encourage black history instruction. They have been used in Detroit, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Newark, and scattered schools elsewhere, although they have been attacked for gross inaccuracy in an entire literature of detailed criticism by respected historians. .... 2680:, a thick stack of loose-leaf background papers for teachers, commissioned to encourage black history instruction. They have been used in Detroit, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Newark, and scattered schools elsewhere, although they have been attacked for gross inaccuracy in an entire literature of detailed criticism by respected historians. .... 5811:. Baltimore: Printed and sold, Wholesale and Retail, by William Goddard and James Angell, at their printing-office, in Market-Street. – Sold, also, by Mr. Joseph Crukshank, Printer, in Market-Street, and Mr. Daniel Humphreys, Printer, in South-Front-Street, Philadelphia – and by Messrs. Hanson and Bond, Printers, in Alexandria. 10218:, Baltimore, Maryland: "I like to forget that I inform to report that if their lives are Short they are merry, they begin to Sing or make a noise from first they come out of the Earth till they die. The hindermost part rots off, and it does not appear to be any pain to them, for they still continue on Singing till they die.". 3262:

layout—streets, parks, major buildings." However, the University of Massachusetts also points out that other historians doubt Banneker had any involvement in this part of the survey at all, instead saying that Andrew and his brother were the ones who recreated L'Enfant's plan. It's an intriguing myth, but it may only be that.

14640:"Because of the involvement of public money, we had to set limits on what we could spend based on the advice we received from appraisers," Hughes said of the consortium, which put in winning bids only on two books with accompanying manuscripts – for $ 75 – on the settlement of Ellicott Mills and the history of the mills. 10640:"Another important item included in the 1793 almanac was "A Plan of a Peace Office for the United States", which aroused considerable comment at the time. Many believed it to have been Banneker's own work. Even recently its authorship has been debated, but in 1947 it was identified beyond question as the work of Dr. 331:, and an African slave named Banneka. The first published description of Molly Welsh was based on interviews with her descendants that took place in 1836, long after the deaths of both Molly and Benjamin. According to that story, Molly purchased Banneka to help establish a farm located near the future site of 15145:"Some writers, in an effort to build up their hero, claim that Banneker was the designer of Washington. Other writers have asserted that Banneker's role in the survey is a myth without documentation. Neither group is correct. Bedini does a professional job of sorting out the truth from the falsehoods." 2707:"Some writers, in an effort to build up their hero, claim that Banneker was the designer of Washington. Other writers have asserted that Banneker's role in the survey is a myth without documentation. Neither group is correct. Bedini does a professional job of sorting out the truth from the falsehoods." 15377:

for the United States," which aroused a good deal of comment at the time. It was believed by many to have been Banneker's own work. Even within recent decades its authorship has been debated. In 1947 it was identified without question as the work of Dr. Benjamin Rush, in a volume of his writings that

15283:

The conflicts surrounding L'Enfant gave rise to an often—repeated story that involved Banneker. According to the story, Banneker, having seen the original design for the city only once, re-created it in detail after L'Enfant returned to France with the original plans. This legend has led some people

15131:

Brief account of Banneker's career and contributions, which are stated to have been in "the fields of science, mathematics, and political affairs," .... . Among the misstatements are the claims ..... that George Ellicott worked with Banneker in the survey of Washington, that Banneker was appointed to

14725:

More than 190 years after his death, some prized possessions of renowned black scientist Benjamin Banneker soon will be coming home. The collection, which Banneker historians, relatives and admirers once feared would be dispersed forever when it was auctioned in Sep 1996, will be sent to two Maryland

14665:

The stranger with the deep pockets was Emanuel Freedman, and, when the auction was over, he had dropped a cool $ 85,000 on the collection of artifacts. He single-handedly thwarted the museum supporters' efforts to round up the prized pieces. In the end, the contingent of supporters had managed to buy

14294:

The astronomical journal is the only remaining artifact written in Banneker's hand, as his cabin and most of his belongings burned down in a fire as his body was being laid in the ground in 1806. On his instruction, the astronomical journal and some other loose manuscripts were removed upon his death

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New-Jersey & Pennsylvania Almanac, for the year of our Lord 1795: Being the Third after Leap-Year, and the Twentieth of American Independence, after the Fourth of July, Containing, Besides the Usual Requisites of an Almanac, A Variety of Entertaining Matter, in Prose and Verse. To Which is Added,

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In the city, and within the compass of twenty miles around it, there were upwards of sixty grain mills, of various descriptions, in which it was said that fully a million and a quarter of dollars were invested. This, of course, was an element of great prospective wealth, especially as the water power

4177:

Not until all the tobacco was in and "the Christmas" over was the school opened. Among the boys who sat on the smooth log facing Peter Heinrich was the dark boy. .... The dark boy's name seemed rather long. For Peter Heinrich wrote "Benjamin Banneker". .... And thus the spelling was changed from that

3370:

But L'Enfant didn't exactly carry out his vision alone: He was dismissed from the job in 1792—and he reportedly took his layout with him. That's when Benjamin Banneker, a free black man who had surveyed the capital and helped establish its boundary points, stepped in. Banneker is said to have redrawn

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Meanwhile Andrew Ellicott, the nation's Surveyor General, finished surveying the boundary lines of the federal district, and joined L'Enfant in laying out the city. (Ellicott showed a fine sense of the opportunity presented by the project by hiring a mathematician who was a "free Negro," to help with

3076:

Over the 200 years since the death of Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806), his story has become a muddled combination of fact, inference, misinformation, hyperbole, and legend. Like many other figures throughout history, the small amount of surviving source material has nurtured the development of a degree

2955:

The conflicts surrounding L'Enfant gave rise to an often–repeated story that involved Banneker. According to the story, Banneker, having seen the original design for the city only once, re-created it in detail after L'Enfant returned to France with the original plans. This legend has led some people

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1583:

The Library of Congress also holds a copy of Jefferson's August 30, 1791, handwritten letter to the Marquis de Condorcet that described Banneker's race, abilities, almanac and work with Andrew Ellicott. Jefferson produced this document on his copying press before sending the handwritten letter to the

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I thank you sincerely for your letter of the 19th. instant and for the Almanac it contained. no body wishes more than I do to see such proofs as you exhibit, that nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colours of men, & that the appearance of a want of them is

1083:

Supported by Andrew, George and Elias Ellicott and heavily promoted by the Maryland and Pennsylvania abolition societies, the early editions of the almanacs achieved commercial success. Printers then distributed at least nine editions of Banneker's 1795 almanac. A Wilmington, Delaware, printer issued

907:

Benjamin Banneker, a free Negro, has calculated an Almanack, for the ensuing year, 1792, which being desirous to dispose of, to the best advantage, he has requested me to aid his application to you for that purpose. Having fully satisfied myself, in respect to his title to this type of authorship, if

3459:

And this is the popular narrative in a lot of circles. And even in the mainstream media, the Washington Post published the story citing this is fact, and this is part of his mythology and it's probably untrue, but it made me wonder, like, why do people embellish history? Why would someone take a man

3409:

There has been much controversy over the years about whether such an event actually happened. Some historians claim that many of the facts about Banneker's life were embellished or mythologized, leaving the fact that he was able to reimagine L'Enfant's plans in dispute. Others have theorized that it

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For example, John Lockwood said Banneker "helped re-create the plans for the city of Washington," but Banneker actually finished his work on the survey of the perimeter of the District and went home to Ellicott Mills in April 1791, never to return. Pierre L'Enfant did not depart Washington until the

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Pemberton then made arrangements for Joseph Crukshank (a Philadelphia Quaker who was a founder of the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery and who had since 1770 been publishing almanacs, including at least one that Waring had calculated) to print Banneker's almanac. Having thus secured

3999:

This indenture made this tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred thirty seven between Richard Gist of Baltimore County in the province of Maryland grant of the one part, Robert Bannaky and Benjamin Bannaky this now of the County and province aforementioned of the other

3456:

So when a lot of people think of Benjamin Banneker, they may know him because of the story of him assisting with the layout of the nation's capital in Washington, DC. And I was troubled to find out that with no real evidence legend has it that Benjamin, Banneker single handedly laid out in, develop

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First of all, because of unwarranted claims to the contrary, it must be pointed out that there is no evidence whatever that Banneker had anything to do with the survey of the Federal City or indeed with the final establishment of the boundaries of the Federal District. All available testimony shows

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Recent biographical accounts of Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806), a mulatto whose father was a native African and whose grandmother was English, have done his memory a disservice by obscuring his real achievements under a cloud of extravagant claims to scientific accomplishment that have no foundation

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In late 1792, James Angell published a Baltimore edition of Banneker's 1793 almanac that contained copies of Banneker's letter and Jefferson's reply. Soon afterwards, a Philadelphia printer distributed two sequential editions of a widely circulated pamphlet that also contained the letter and reply.

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Teachers who want reliable information on African American history often don't know where to turn. Many have unfortunately looked to unreliable books and publications by Afrocentric writers. The African American Baseline Essays, developed by the public school system in Portland, Ore., are the most

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Emanuel Friedman, an investment banker and chairman of Friedman, Billings and Ramsey in Rosslyn, Va., made winning bids of $ 32,500 for the table, $ 7,500 for letters, a scrapbook and personal papers from the Ellicott estate, $ 6,000 for the candlesticks, and $ 3,750 for the ledger. .... Friedman

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Elizabeth Wilde, the Ellicott family member who inherited the Banneker-related items, plans to sell more than 20 Banneker artifacts and documents next month through C. G. Sloan auction house in Bethesda. Wilde, who lives in Indianapolis, has rebuffed appeals from Banneker historians, relatives and

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But according to legend, the plans weren't actually lost: Banneker and the Ellicotts had worked closely with L'Enfant and his plans while surveying the city's site. As the University of Massachusetts explains, Banneker had actually committed the plans to memory " was able to reproduce the complete

2508:

Brief account of Banneker's career and contributions, which are stated to have been in "the fields of science, mathematics, and political affairs," illustrated with the fictional portrait from Allen's work (item 56) and the cover page of the almanac for 1793. Among the misstatements are the claims

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in Oella, Maryland, had hoped to obtain these and several other items related to Banneker and the Ellicotts, a Virginia investment banker won most of the items with a series of bids that totaled $ 85,000. The purchaser stated that he expected to keep some of the items and to donate the rest to the

1324:

To support his plea, Banneker included within his letter a handwritten manuscript of an almanac for 1792 containing his ephemeris with his astronomical calculations. He retained handwritten copies of the letter and Jefferson's August 30, 1791, reply in a volume of manuscripts that became part of a

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Rittenhouse responded to Pemberton by stating that Banneker's ephemeris "was a very extraordinary performance, considering the Colour of the Author" and that he "had no doubt that the Calculations are sufficiently accurate for the purposes of a common Almanac. .... Every instance of Genius amongst

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Banneker left the boundary survey in April 1791 within three months of its initiation because the time that he was devoting to the project was conflicting with the time that he had expected to use to calculate an ephemeris for the year of 1792. Further, the arrival of spring required him to direct

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Perhaps owing to the scarcity of recorded fact about his remarkable life, and because he was often invoked symbolically to advance social causes like abolition, Banneker's story has been susceptible to mythmaking. He has been incorrectly credited with ......, making the first clock on the Eastern

958:

The title page of a Petersburg edition of Banneker's 1794 "Virginia Almanack" stated that the work was "Calculated by that ingenious self taught astronomer Benjamin Banneker, a black man", repeating a term that Angell had used in the 1793 Baltimore almanac. The introduction to a 1795 Philadelphia

15337:

13396:

Footnote: RC (MHi); at head of text: "Thomas Jefferson Secretary of State"; endorsed by TJ as received 26 Aug. 1791 and so recorded in SJL." (Abbreviations: "MHi": "Massachusetts Historical Society"; "RC": Recipient's Copy"; "SJL": "Jefferson's "Summary Journal of Letters" written and received";

13271:

Note: This manuscript, attributed to Banneker by Baltimore printer William Goddard (1740–1817), was printed as Banneker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris for the Year of Our Lord 1792, Baltimore: Printed and Sold, Wholesale and Retail, by William Goddard and

4571:

The earliest observable change in the agricultural system of Maryland, was occasioned by a purchase made in 1772, by the brothers Joseph, Andrew and John Ellicott, of lands and mill-sites on the Patapsco river, 10 miles west of Baltimore, and by the building of their mills for grinding wheat and

3342:

3037:

How did the myth of Banneker helping Ellicott remember the plan take hold? I believe it is because the first name of the brother who helped Ellicott is Benjamin, and so Benjamin Banneker was mistaken for Benjamin Ellicott. I think it is nonsense to assume that when L'Enfant refused access to the

599:

However, some have noted that Banneker's actual role in the survey is uncertain, as his involvement in the effort "rests on extremely meager documentation". An April 21, 1791, news report of the April 15 dedication ceremony for the first boundary stone (the south corner stone) stated that it was

15555:

In 1993 Rita Dove was appointed Poet Laureate of the United States and Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, making her the youngest person — and the first African-American — to receive this highest official honor in American poetry. She held the position for two years. .... Ms. Dove

15421:

Had the author consulted "The Life of Benjamin Banneker" by Silvio Bedini, considered the definitive biography, he would have discovered no evidence for these claims. .... Benjamin Rush authored the Department of Peace proposal; the confusion arose among earlier biographers because the proposal

14017:

The collection consists of Americana dating, primarily, from the period of the American Revolution and the thirty years immediately following, collected by Straus. Included are autograph letters from, and documents signed by, some of the leading figures of the period, such as George Washington,

11551:

Notes: ... . While serving as secretary of state, Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), one of Virginia's largest planters and slaveholders, wrote this 30 August 1791 response to Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806), an African-American mathematician and surveyor living in Maryland, who had written a forceful

1436:

I am happy to be able to inform you that we have now in the United States a negro, the son of a black man born in Africa, and of a black woman born in the United States, who is a very respectable mathematician. I procured him to be employed under one of our chief directors in laying out the new

1278:

II. Let a power be given to the Secretary to establish and maintain free schools in every city, village and township in the United States; .... Let the youth of our country be instructed in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and in the doctrines of a religion of some kind; the Christian religion

1087:

In 1796, Banneker gave a manuscript of one of his almanacs to Suzanna Mason, a member of the Ellicott family who was visiting his home. In 1836, Mason's daughter wrote a published memoir of her mother's life, letters and manuscripts. The memoir contained a copy of a poem that Mason had sent to

14756:

A happy ending is in sight for the planned Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Oella, outbid at auction last fall for valuable artifacts once owned by the noted African-American astronomer and inventor. Next week, the Virginia-based investment banker who paid $ 85,000 for a table,

3112:

In 1806, shortly after Banneker's death, a fire at his home destroyed most of his personal papers (Gillispie). This gap in substantial archival material has hardly hindered the development of the Benjamin Banneker legend; perhaps it has even aided its growth. ..... The narrative that tells of

8878:

Bannaker's Bannaker's New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, or ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1795; Being the Third after Leap-Year;——the Nineteenth Year of American Independence, and the Seventh of our Federal Government——Which may the Governor of the World

6437:

1365:

Jefferson's reply did not directly respond to Banneker's accusations, but instead expressed his support for the advancement of his "black brethren". His reply, which writers have characterized as "courteous", "polite", "ambivalent", "ambiguous", "evasive", "tepid" and "noncommittal", stated:

8232:

of several of the most distinguished astronomers of America, particularly the celebrated Mr. Rittenhouse,) but from similar motives to those which induced the editors to give this calculation the preference, the ardent desire of drawing modest merit from obscurity and controverting the long

2766:

This very well-researched book also helps lay to rest some of the myths about what Banneker did and did not do during his most unusual lifetime; unfortunately, many websites and books continue to propagate these myths, probably because those authors do not understand what Banneker actually

15286:

Modern historians acknowledge that the inaccurate information—the myths surrounding Banneker—resulted in his contributions to the city being overvalued. Unfortunately, those myths sometimes obscure Banneker's greatest contribution to society—the almanacs that he would publish in his later

15132:

the Commission at a suggestion made by Jefferson to Washington, and that Banneker selected the sites of the principal buildings. The fiction that Banneker re-created L'Enfant's plan from memory is again presented, and his almanacs are said to have been published for a period of ten years."

8812:"Banneker's almanac went on sale at the end of 1791 and immediately sold in great numbers. Large inventories were furnished by Goddard to three other distributors, and it was not long before the first printing was exhausted, requiring Goddard and Angell to produce a second printing. ...." 4251:"The school was now housed in a building all its own and was supported by the Society of Friends. Though Ben was no longer a regular attendant he still considered himself a pupil. Very often when his days work was done he rode over to Master Heinrich's house for talk or to exchange a book" 2958:

357:

who in 2016 reported an analysis of records related to Banneker's family tree was unable to identify any documents that showed that Banneker had a white grandmother, but could not rule out that possibility. The report noted that the name "Bannaker" may have had the same origin as that of

3367:

Washington's core was laid out by Pierre L'Enfant, a French-American engineer and city planner, when the federal government decided it needed a new capitol. George Washington carved out 10 miles square on the Potomac River, and appointed L'Enfant in 1791 to plan an ambitious new seat of

926:

of several of the most distinguished Astronomers in America, particularly the celebrated Mr. Rittenhouse) but from similar Motives to those which induced the Editors to give this Calculation the Preference, the ardent desire of drawing modest Merit from Obscurity, and controverting the

632:

for inclusion in an almanac and ephemeris for the year of 1792. To aid Banneker in his efforts to have his almanac published, Andrew Ellicott (who had been authoring almanacs and ephemerides of his own since 1780) forwarded Banneker's ephemeris to James Pemberton, the president of the

9024:

Banneker's Almanac, for the Year 1795: Being the Third After Leap Year: Containing, (besides every thing necessary in an almanac,) an Account of the Yellow Fever, lately prevalent in Philadelphia, with the Number of those who died, from the First of August till the Ninth of November,

6573:

4112:(Arith.) the method of solving problems by proceeding with each of two assumed numbers, according to the conditions of the problem, and by comparing the difference of the results with those of the numbers, deducing the correction to be applied to one of them to obtain the true result. 2148:

8223:: "In their editorial notice, Messrs. Goddard and Angell say, "they feel gratified in the opportunity of presenting to the public, through their press, what must be considered as an extraordinary effort of genius – a complete and accurate Ephemeris for the year 1792, calculated by a 15178:

Had the author consulted "The Life of Benjamin Banneker" by Silvio Bedini, considered the definitive biography, he would have discovered no evidence for these claims. Jefferson appointed Andrew Ellicott to conduct the survey; Ellicott made Banneker his assistant for three months in

12230:

The Writings of Thomas Jefferson; being his Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private. Published by the order of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library, from the original manuscripts, deposited in the Department of

5144:

American Memory: A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774 – 1875: Statutes at Large, 1st Congress, 2nd Session, p. 130, July 16, 1790: Chapter 28: An Act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United

2623:

4698:"History of the Negro race in America from 1619 to 1880. Negroes as slaves, as soldiers, and as citizens; together with a preliminary consideration of the unity of the human family, an historical sketch of Africa, and an account of the negro governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia" 13196:

Benjamin Banneker. Holographic manuscript of his 1792 almanac and ephemeris, with the published edition: Benjamin Banneker's Almanack. Baltimore: William Goddard and James Angell …, both 1791. Manuscript: Gift of William Goddard, 1813. Published almanac: Gift of Samuel L. Munson,

5742:

3142:

the survey. The Georgetown newspaper noted the significance of Benjamin Banneker's participation but, nearly sixty years old, he left the arduous project in May and returned to Baltimore to publish his almanac, and thus, contrary to legend, had nothing to do with L'Enfant's plan.)

1133:

Banneker kept a series of journals that contained his notebooks for astronomical observations, his diary and accounts of his dreams. The journals, only one of which escaped a fire on the day of his funeral, additionally contained a number of mathematical calculations and puzzles.

14637:

Richard B. Hughes, chief of the Maryland Office of Archaeology, said the consortium still wants to buy other artifacts such as a book containing Banneker's scientific notations that Elizabeth Wilde – an Ellicott descendant who owned the artifacts – did not include in yesterday's

1288:

V. To inspire a veneration for human life, and a horror at the shedding of human blood, let all those laws be repealed which authorise juries, judges, sheriffs, or hangmen to assume the resentments of individuals, and to commit murder in cold blood in any case whatever. ....

14096:: Marked "Hawkins & Peale's Patent Polygraph No. 57," this machine was used by Jefferson from 1806 until his death. Jefferson first acquired the letter-copying device he called "the finest invention of the present age" in March of 1804. Invented and named by Englishman 3038:"original" plan that meant that Ellicott had to rely on memory to reconstruct the plan. L'Enfant had the "large" plan. Ellicott probably had access to small renditions or drafts of the plan which, of course, he and his brother had helped create by their surveys of the city. 1545:

On the day of his funeral in 1806, a fire burned Banneker's log cabin to the ground, destroying many of his belongings and papers. In 1813, William Goodard, who had published the Baltimore edition of Banneker's 1792 almanac (Banneker's first published almanac), donated the

17058:

History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880: Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens; Together with a Preliminary Consideration of the Unity of the Human Family, an Historical Sketch of Africa, and an Account of the Negro Governments of Sierra Leone and

15390:

Brief account of Banneker's career and contributions, which are stated to have been in "the fields of science, mathematics, and political affairs, .... ." Among the misstatements are the claims that Banneker produced the first clock made entirely with American parts, ....

8824:"The almanacs for 1795 enjoyed a substantially increased circulation. .... The total of at least nine known editions of Banneker's almanac for the same year was remarkable, and brought the amateur astronomer not only considerable renown, but a substantial income as well." 1227:

and Charles James Fox had given to the British House of Commons in 1792 during the debate on a motion for the abolition of the British slave trade, an extract from a 1789 poem by an English Quaker, Thomas Wilkinson, and an extract from a query in Thomas Jefferson's 1787

3406:

Unsure of how to proceed, Ellicott and the other planners feared they might have to start from scratch. According to writer Gaius Chamberlain, "Banneker surprised them when he asserted that he could reproduce the plans from memory and in two days did exactly as he had

14428:"I spoke to her some time ago and told her I thought it would be fine if she gave some of the stuff to the museum," Hopkins said. "I suggested to her that, if she did not give it to the society, that she might let the society make copies of the documents for display." 1598:

holds within its Straus Autograph Collection the recipient's copy of the handwritten letter that Jefferson sent to Joel Barlow in 1809. Jefferson's letter cited the letter that Banneker had sent to him in 1791. Barlow endorsed Jefferson's letter after he received it.

8227:

descendant of Africa," &c. And they further say, that "they flatter themselves that a philanthropic public, in this enlightened era, will be induced to give their patronage and support to this work, not only on account of its intrinsic merits, (it having met the

405:

in rural Baltimore County. A letter writer stated in 1791 that Banneker's parents had sent him to an obscure school where he learned reading, writing and arithmetic as far as double position. However, the remainder of Banneker's early life is not well documented.

14437:, the scientist instructed his nephews to return the table and books to the Ellicott family and give them some of his effects. The day of his funeral in 1806, Banneker's log cabin burned to the ground. It is on that site where the museum and park are to be built. 3403:

L'Enfant's plans were well received, but he proved to be extremely difficult to work with, arguing incessantly with the commissioners in charge of the capital project. .... When L'Enfant left the project, he took all the designs with him, leaving the project in

1770:

and James Angell, at their printing-office, in Market-Street. – Sold, also, by Mr. Joseph Crukshank, Printer, in Market-Street, and Mr. Daniel Humphreys, Printer, in South-Front-Street, Philadelphia – and by Messrs. Hanson and Bond, Printers, in Alexandria.

703:

was the first in a six-year series of almanacs and ephemerides that printers agreed to publish and sell. At least 28 editions of the almanacs, some of which appeared during the same year, were printed in seven cities in five states: Baltimore; Philadelphia;

615:

Banneker therefore returned to his home near Ellicott's Mills. The Ellicotts and other members of the surveying team then laid the remaining Virginia marker stones later in 1791. The team laid the Maryland stones and completed the boundary survey in 1792.

2737:

Austin H. Kiplinger and Walter E. Washington write that a proposed city museum at Mount Vernon Square will remind visitors that "George Washington engaged Pierre L' Enfant to map the city and about how Benjamin Banneker complete the project" . Let's hope

908:

you can agree to him for the price of his work, I may venture to assure you it will do you credit, as Editors, while it will afford you the opportunity to encourage talents that have thus far surmounted the most discouraging circumstances and prejudices."

1457:

enough to make almanacs, but not without the suspicion of aid from Ellicot, who was his neighbor & friend, & never missed an opportunity of puffing him. I have a long letter from Banneker which shews him to have had a mind of very common stature

2743:

Meanwhile, a "Plan for the City of Washington" was drawn by one "Peter Charles L'Enfant" (sic). When George Washington chose to dismiss L'Enfant, it was Ellicott who revised L'Enfant's plan and completed the city's mapping. Banneker played no part in

1672:. After completion of the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Oella, the artifacts would be loaned to that facility for a period of twenty years. The Oella museum displayed the table, candle molds and candlesticks after it opened in 1998. 382:. A 2021 update to this genealogy stated that Benjamin Banneker's father, Robert, was by May 18, 1731, married to Mary Lett (then called Mary Beneca), the daughter of a white woman by an enslaved man. The update noted that Banaka is the home of the 856:

The title pages of two Baltimore editions of Banneker's 1795 almanac had woodcut portraits of him as he may have appeared. However, a biographer later concluded that the portraits were more likely portrayals of an idealized African-American youth.

7152:

Bannaker's Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina Almanack and EPHEMERIS, for the YEAR of our LORD 1796; Being BISSEXTILE, or LEAP YEAR; The Twentieth Year of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, And Eighth Year of the FEDERAL

2221:

1215:, when those ill-fated people, dwelling in this land of freedom, shall commence a participation with the white inhabitants, in the blessings of liberty; and experience the kindly protection of government, for the essential rights of human nature. 17015:

Banneker's Almanack and Ephemeris for the Year of Our Lord 1793; being The First After Bisixtile or Leap Year and Bannekeer's Almanac, For the Year 1795, Being the Third After Leap Year: Afro-American History Series: Rhistoric Publication No.

1828:

Banneker's Almanack and Ephemeris for the Year of Our Lord 1793; being The First After Bissextile or Leap Year and Banneker's Almanac, For the Year 1795, Being the Third After Leap Year: Afro-American History Series: Rhistoric Publication No.

12017:

De la littérature des nègres, ou Recherches sur leurs facultés intellectuelles, leurs qualités morales et leur littérature, suivies de Notices sur la vie et les ouvrages des Nègres qui se sont distingués dans les Sciences, les Lettres et les

2430:

Banneker's Almanack and Ephemeris for the Year of Our Lord 1793; being The First After Bisixtile or Leap Year and Banneker's almanac, for the year 1795: Being the Third After Leap Year: Afro-American History Series: Rhistoric Publication No.

916:

feel themselves gratified in the Opportunity of presenting to the Public, through the Medium of their Press, what must be considered as an extraordinary Effort of Genius — a complete and accurate EPHEMERIS for the Year 1792, calculated by a

14295:

and left to George Ellicott (1760–1832). The journal stayed in the hands of the Ellicott family until 1844 when it was deposited here at MdHS, where it was used by John H.B. Latrobe the following year. Quaker philanthropist and MdHS member

12063:

An enquiry concerning the intellectual and moral faculties, and literature of negroes; followed with an account of the life and works of fifteen negroes & mulattoes, distinguished in science, literature and the arts; Translated by D.B.

1084:

five editions for distribution by different vendors. Printers in Baltimore issued three versions of the almanac, while three Philadelphia printers also sold editions. A Trenton, New Jersey, printer additionally sold a version of the work.

9839: 14410:

A selection of rare items used by Benjamin Banneker, noted black American scientist, is to be auctioned early next month, but organizers of the planned Banneker museum and park in Baltimore County hope to raise money to buy the artifacts

868:. The table listed the number of free persons and slaves in each state and the territory according to race and gender, as well as to whether they were above or below the age of 16 years. The table also listed the number of members of the 2712: 14415:

Jean Walsh, a member of the Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park, said the items had been in the possession of a descendant of George Ellicott, who at age 17 befriended the much older Banneker – known as "the first black man of

921:

Descendant of Africa, .... — They flatter themselves that a philanthropic Public, in this enlightened Era, will be induced to give their Patronage and Support to this Work, not only on Account of its intrinsic Merit, (it having met the

670:, to confirm the accuracy of Banneker's work. Waring endorsed Banneker's work, stating, "I have examined Benjamin Banneker's Almanac for 1792, and am of the Opinion that it well deserves the Acceptance and Encouragement of the Public." 15018: 14100:, the polygraph used the principles of the pantograph, a draftsman's tool for reducing and enlarging drawings. The writer's hand moves one pen whose action is duplicated by the second one, producing a copy strikingly like the original. 13286:"First page of manuscript original, with calculations for the month of January 1792 for his first almanac. From the manuscript of his ephemeris for 1792 that he had submitted to Goddard & Angell in 1791. Found among the papers of 13238: 3182:..., much myth and anecdote surround the life and work of Banneker. An uncertain legacy grew, in part, from the destruction of almost all his papers and possessions when his log cabin home burnt down at the moment he was being buried. 15556:

taught creative writing at Arizona State University from 1981 to 1989; subsequently she joined the faculty of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where, since 1993, she holds the chair of Commonwealth Professor of English.

13708:

Marked "Hawkins & Peale's Patent Polygraph No. 57," this machine was used by Jefferson from 1806 until his death. Jefferson first acquired the letter-copying device he called "the finest invention of the present age" in March of

1757:"Benjamin Banneker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and EPHEMERIS, for the YEAR of our LORD, 1792; Being BISSEXTILE, or LEAP-YEAR, and the Sixteenth Year of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, which commenced July 4, 1776" 1416:

On the same day that he replied to Banneker (August 30, 1791), Jefferson sent a letter to the Marquis de Condorcet that contained the following paragraph relating to Banneker's race, abilities, almanac and work with Andrew Ellicott:

421:)). These accounts state that Heinrich shared his personal library and provided Banneker with his only classroom instruction. Banneker's formal education (if any) presumably ended when he was old enough to help on his family's farm. 11371: 5800:

Benjamin Banneker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and EPHEMERIS, for the YEAR of our LORD, 1792; Being BISSEXTILE, or LEAP-YEAR, and the Sixteenth Year of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, which commenced July 4,

1379:, and member of the Philanthropic society because I considered it as a document to which your whole colour had a right for their justification against the doubts which have been entertained of them. I am with great esteem, Sir, 2740:

Benjamin Banneker performed astronomical observations in 1791 when assisting Maj. Andrew Ellicott in a survey of the federal District's boundaries. He departed three months after the survey began, more than a year before its

11815:. "And altho I had almost declined to make my calculation for the ensuing year, in consequence of that time which I had allotted therefor being taking up at the Federal Territory by the request of Mr. Andrew Ellicott, ....". 8323:"The following notice of Banneker is found, first published in his almanac for 1792, and republished with some abridgement in the one of 1793, from which we are making extracts. It was written by Banneker's esteemed admirer, 1485:

Banneker never married. For reasons that are unclear, the four editions of his 1797 almanac were the last ones that printers published. After selling much of his homesite to the Ellicotts and others, he probably died in his

1412:.... And altho I had almost declined to make my calculation for the ensuing year, in consequence of that time which I had allotted therefor being taking up at the Federal Territory by the request of Mr. Andrew Ellicott, .... 15359:"The plan for a "Peace Office" in the Government of the United States, which also appeared in this issue (Banneker's 1793 Philadelphia almanac) has been attributed to Banneker. According to Edwin Wolf 2nd, Librarian of the 10626:"The plan for a "Peace Office" in the Government of the United States, which also appeared in this issue (Banneker's 1793 Philadelphia almanac) has been attributed to Banneker. According to Edwin Wolf 2nd, Librarian of the 585:, where the survey started and where the south corner stone was to be located. They have also stated that Banneker maintained a clock that he used to relate points on the ground to the positions of stars at specific times. 350:). Molly supposedly freed and married Banneka, who may have shared his knowledge of astronomy with her. The biographer suggested that Benjamin acquired this knowledge from Molly, as Benjamin was born after Banneka's death. 16120: 3814:

Banaka is a place with a very small population in the country of Liberia .... . Cities, towns and places near Banaka include Bonja, Kuodi, Wuefa and Fassa. The closest major cities include Monrovia, Freetown, Conakry and

14430:

Patrick O'Neill, who is helping to arrange the auction for Sloane's, said the items are being appraised. Appraisal of historic pieces can be difficult, though officials expect the table to sell for $ 10,000 to $ 30,000.

885:

The almanacs' editors prefaced the publications with adulatory references to Banneker and his race. Editions of Banneker's 1792 and 1793 almanacs contained full or abridged copies of a lengthy commendatory letter that

11494:"Two letters offer intriguing look at issue of race; Exchange: Maryland's Benjamin Banneker, son of a freed slave, elicits from Thomas Jefferson, a slave owner, a polite but vague observation on the status of blacks" 4534:

A Brief Account of the Settlement of Ellicott's Mills, with Fragments of History therewith Connected: Written at the request of Evan T. Ellicott, Baltimore, 1865: Read before the Maryland Historical Society, Nov. 3,

284:

and advocates of racial equality promoted and praised Banneker's works. Although a fire on the day of Banneker's funeral destroyed many of his papers and belongings, one of his journals and several of his remaining

13347:

Volumes 8–12 (1790–1793) contain papers covering Jefferson's service as secretary of state, including letters from Jefferson to his daughters at Monticello and many promissory notes demonstrating the degree of his

1169:.... begin to Sing or make a noise from first they come out of the Earth till they die. The hindermost part rots off, and it does not appear to be any pain to them, for they still continue on Singing till they die. 15430:"Banneker's clock was by no means the first timepiece in tidewater Maryland, as occasionally has erroneously been claimed. Timepieces were well known and available from the very earliest English settlements, ...." 2688:"Banneker's clock was by no means the first timepiece in tidewater Maryland, as occasionally has erroneously been claimed. Timepieces were well known and available from the very earliest English settlements, ...." 14052:

Hawkins & Peale patented a polygraph in the US in 1803, and beginning in 1804 Thomas Jefferson collaborated with them in working on improvements in the machine. Jefferson used a polygraph for the rest of his

10749:"For some unexplained reason, it was published without identifying the author. Rush included the "Plan" in a collection of essays published five years later, with substantial additions to the text." (Reference ( 534:

so that he could begin the district's survey. Ellicott then hired Banneker as a replacement to assist in the initial survey of the federal district's boundaries, advancing him $ 60 for travel expenses to and at

5188:"Curiously enough, the record of Banneker's participation rests on extremely meager documentation, consisting of a statement written in a letter by Thomas Jefferson and two statements made by Banneker himself." 4132:: Printed by and for John Prentiss, (proprietor of the copy-right) and sold at his book-store, wholesale and retail.--Sold also by the principal booksellers in New-England, and at the Rensselaer book-store, 13927:

Footnote: "RC (NjP: Straus Autograph Collection); endorsed by Barlow. PoC (DLC)" (Abbreviations: "DLC: "Library of Congress"" "NjP: "Princeton University"; "Poc": "Polygraph Copy";"RC": "Recipient's copy".)

10131: 7121:

Africans in America: Part 2: Historical Documents: Bannaker's New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanac, or Ephemeris, for the Year of our LORD 1795; Being the Third after Leap-Year

4345:"At about the age of twenty-one he (Banneker) constructed a striking wall clock, without ever having seen one. .... The clock continued to function successfully for more than fifty years, until his death." 2871: 1316:

On August 19, 1791, after departing the federal capital area, Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson, who in 1776 had drafted the United States Declaration of Independence and in 1791 was serving as

5176:"He (Banneker) served in the true sense of an assistant to Ellicott himself, making notes for him, making calculations as required, and using the astronomical equipment for establishing base points." 5045:... Andrew Ellicott retained Banneker to make the astronomical calculations necessary to establish the location of the south corner stone, while Ellicott and the field crews did the actual surveying. 3566:. "His father was a native African, and his mother the child of natives of Africa; so that to no admixture of the blood of the white man was he indebted for his peculiar and extraordinary abilities." 9509: 7721: 7057: 2176:

Banneker's Almanack and Ephemeris for BISSEXTILE or Leap Year and Bannekeer's Almanac, For the Year 1795, Being the Third After Leap Year: Afro-American History Series: Rhistoric Publication No. 202

12859:

On Sunday, this 9th instant, departed this life at his residence in Baltimore county, in the 73rd year of his age, Mr. BENJAMIN BANNEKER, a black man, and immediate descendant of an African father.

4087:

parents. His father and mother having obtained their freedom, were enabled to send him to an obscure school, where he learned, as a boy, reading, writing, and arithmetic, as far as double position.

471:) subsequently developed. The Ellicotts were Quakers who held the same views on racial equality as did many of their faith. Banneker studied the mills and became acquainted with their proprietors. 15406: 15160: 9785: 2600: 1501:

Mr. Banneker is a prominent instance to prove that a descendant of Africa is susceptible of as great mental improvement and deep knowledge into the mysteries of nature as that of any other nation.

1285:

IV. Let the following sentence be inscribed in letters of gold over the door of every home in the United States: THE SON OF MAN CAME INTO THE WORLD, NOT TO DESTROY MEN'S LIVES, BUT TO SAVE THEM.

324:

Banneker himself and his earliest biographers described him as having only African ancestry. None of Banneker's surviving papers describe a white ancestor or identify the name of his grandmother.

2613:

Teachers who want reliable information on African American history often don't know where to turn. Many have unfortunately looked to unreliable books and publications by Afrocentric writers. The

14323: 11383: 8016: 7580: 6124: 6042: 2724: 1649: 1473: 2380: 1408:

When writing his letter, Banneker informed Jefferson that his 1791 work with Andrew Ellicott on the District boundary survey had affected his work on his 1792 ephemeris and almanac by stating:

15006: 2822:(16) Fasanelli, Florence D, "Benjamin Banneker's Life and Mathematics: Web of Truth? Legends as Facts; Man vs. Legend", a talk given on January 8, 2004, at the MAA/AMS meeting in Phoenix, AZ. 13209: 11405:. "Banneker sent a manuscript copy of his work to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson along with a plea against the continuance of black slavery and received a courteous, if evasive, reply." 8308:. ".. in 1789 he (Goddard) took as his partner ... James Angell. The partnership continued until August 1792, during the period that Banneker's almanac was being considered for publication." 15284:

to credit Banneker with a greater role in creating the capital city. However, there is no evidence that Banneker contributed anything to the design of the city or that he ever met L'Enfant.

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to credit Banneker with a greater role in creating the capital city. However, there is no evidence that Banneker contributed anything to the design of the city or that he ever met L'Enfant.

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should be preferred to all others; for it belongs to this religion exclusively to teach us not only to cultivate peace with all men, but to forgive—nay more, to love our very enemies. ....

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Benjamin Banneker's almanac, for the year of our Lord, 1793; Being the first after BISSEXTILE, or LEAP-YEAR, and the Seventeenth Year of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, which commenced July 4, 1776

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Benjamin Banneker's almanac, for the year of our Lord, 1793; Being the first after BISSEXTILE, or LEAP-YEAR, and the Seventeenth Year of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, which commenced July 4, 1776

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Gwen Marable, president of the organization, said an attempt had been made to persuade the owner, Elizabeth Wilde of Indianapolis, to donate or sell some of the artifacts to the museum.

14420:

Groundbreaking is planned for September for the long-awaited Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Oella, and Walsh and other supporters would like to exhibit the items there.

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The items – which include a William and Mary drop-leaf table, candlesticks and molds, and several documents – are scheduled to be put on the block at Sloane's Auction House in Bethesda.

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The Library of Congress holds a copy of Jefferson's 1809 letter to Joel Barlow that Jefferson had retained in his files after sending his handwritten letter to Barlow. Jefferson used a

14532: 14501: 8818:"Banneker's almanac for 1793 was one of the most important publications of its time. It was distributed in great numbers and became the subject of widespread discussion at all levels." 9943: 9573:

Africans in America: Part 2: Bannaker's New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanac, or Ephemeris, for the Year of our LORD 1795; Being the Third after Leap-Year

7840:

Africans in America: Part 2: Bannaker's New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanac, or Ephemeris, for the Year of our LORD 1795; Being the Third after Leap-Year

2844: 2795:"He (Banneker) has existed in dim memory mainly on mangled ideas about his work, and even utter falsehoods that are unwise attempts to glorify a man who needs no such embellishments." 409:

Unverified accounts that first appeared in books published more than 140 years after Banneker's death relate that, as a young teenager, Banneker met and befriended Peter Heinrich, a

14765:, a Washington councilman. He said the entire collection, which includes other items of Banneker's period that did not relate to him, will be part of a Black History exhibit at The 12563: 12436: 9468: 9255: 8976: 7795: 7666: 7401: 7269: 7209: 7016: 6804: 6525: 6348: 6282: 5930: 14893: 14866: 14850: 5665:"I am annoyed to find that the subject of my race is so much stressed," he (Banneker) remarked. "The work is either correct or it is not. In this case, I believe it to be perfect." 5540:"Poulson's town and country almanac for 1789. The astronomical calculations by Wm. Waring, teacher of mathematics in the Friends' academy. Philadelphia: Zachariah Poulson, junior". 3216:

Banneker's life became the source of legend after his death, with many attributing certain accomplishments to him for which there is little or no evidence in the historical record.

14647: 8836:"The almanacs for 1795 enjoyed a substantially increased circulation. .... The total of at least nine known editions of Banneker's almanac for the same year was remarkable, ....". 5451:"The MARYLAND, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North-Carolina Almanack and Ephemeris for 1781. By Andrew Ellicott. Baltimore: M. K. Goddard: Philadelphia: Benjamin January." 16088: 15940: 14447: 1722:, area around the time that he assisted Andrew Ellicott in the federal district boundary survey. Others involve his clock, his astronomical works, his almanacs and his journals. 478:, a son of Andrew Ellicott, loaned Banneker books and equipment to begin a more formal study of astronomy. During the following year, Banneker sent George his work calculating a 1565:

in Boston holds in its collections the August 17, 1791, handwritten letter that Banneker sent to Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson endorsed the letter as received on August 21, 1791.

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Biographers have stated that Banneker's duties on the survey consisted primarily of making astronomical observations and calculations to establish base points, including one at

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Samuel Hopkins – a descendant of the Ellicott family, who were mill owners and co-founders of Ellicott City – said he encouraged Wilde to turn the artifacts over to the museum.

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the use of the polygraph has spoiled me for the old copying press the copies of which are hardly ever legible, ... I could not, now therefore, live without the Polygraph. ....

13741:

the use of the polygraph has spoiled me for the old copying press the copies of which are hardly ever legible, ... I could not, now therefore, live without the Polygraph. ....

13059: 12658: 4029: 14397: 13119: 11747: 11994: 5152: 3760:

This place is situated in Klay, Bomi Terr., Liberia, its geographical coordinates are 6° 49' 44" North, 10° 46' 21" West and its original name (with diacritics) is Banaka.

3410:

was Andrew Ellicott's brother Benjamin who aided in redrawing the plans from memory, theorizing that he was confused with Banneker because they shared the same first name.

2619:, developed by the public school system in Portland, Ore., are the most widespread Afrocentric teaching material. Educators should be aware of their crippling flaws. .... 506:

1835 map of the District of Columbia showing Washington City in its center, Georgetown to the west of the city, and the town of Alexandria in the District's south corner.

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and related species) and stated, "... they may be expected again in they year 1800 which is Seventeen Since their third appearance to me." Describing an effect that the

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in Baltimore. The family also retained several items that Banneker had used after borrowing them from George Ellicott, as well as some that Banneker himself had owned.

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Banneker's Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina almanack and ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1796; being bissextile, ... 1796

2281: 16014:"Book Review: Bedini, Silvio A. (1999), "The Life of Benjamin Banneker: The First African-American Man of Science", 2nd ed., Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society" 14743: 14558: 4572:

other grains. The purchase embraced the lands, on both sides of the Patapsco, for four miles in extent, and included all the water power within that distance, .....

14683: 8731:. Printed for Philip Edwards, James Keddie, and Thomas, Andrews and Butler; and sold at their respective stores, wholesale and retail. 1795 – via HathiTrust. 489:

for 1791, which he hoped would be placed within a published almanac. However, he was unable to find a printer that was willing to publish and distribute the work.

2861: 2356: 2294:""Benjamin Banneker: Surveyor-Inventor-Astronomer", mural by Maxime Seelbinder, at the Recorder of Deeds building, built in 1943. 515 D St., NW, Washington, D.C." 14816: 3390: 1699: 15176:"Thomas Jefferson appointed Benjamin Banneker to survey the site for the capital, Washington, D.C.; ...." according to the essay on African American scientists. 13183: 5729: 4763: 2621:"Thomas Jefferson appointed Benjamin Banneker to survey the site for the capital, Washington, D.C.; ...." according to the essay on African American scientists. 931:

After Goddard and Angell had published their 1792 Baltimore edition of the almanac, Angell wrote in the 1793 edition (which he alone edited) that abolitionists

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Page 115, Fig. 3: Image of page in Benjamin Banneker's Astronomical Journal, 1791–1806. Manuscript written by Benjamin Banneker (MS 2700). Special Collection.

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Page 115, Fig. 3: Image of page in Benjamin Banneker's Astronomical Journal, 1791–1806. Manuscript written by Benjamin Banneker (MS 2700). Special Collection.

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and James Angell, at their printing-office, in Market-Street. An original copy of Benjamin Banneker Almanac: Contributor: Michael Ventura / Alamy Stock Photo.

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L'Enfant's plans from memory in two days, though whether actually he did has been debated by historians; his history and legacy have yet to be fully excavated.

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and others had authored, as well as anti-slavery speeches and writings from England and America. The latter included extracts from speeches that William Pitt,

600:

Andrew Ellicott who "ascertained the precise point from which the first line of the district was to proceed". The news report did not mention Banneker's name.

5107:

Philip Lee Philips Society Annual Conference: Visualizing The Nation's Capital: Two Centuries of Mapping Washington, D.C., Session 2 (moderator: Bill Stanley)

3548:. "BENJAMIN BANNEKER, a free Negro, has calculated an Almanack for the ensuing Year, 1792, ..... . "This Man is about fifty-nine years in age; he was born in 3343:

making the first clock on the Eastern seaboard, being the first professional astronomer in America, and discovering the seventeen-year birth cycle of cicadas.

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nine years later on October 19, 1806, aged 74. (Some sources state that Banneker died on Sunday, October 9, 1806, which was actually a Thursday.) His chronic

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In 1987, a member of the Ellicott family, which had retained Banneker's only remaining journal, donated that document and other Banneker manuscripts to the

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Notes on the State of Virginia.: written by Thomas Jefferson: Illustrated with a Map, including the States of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania

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had published in 1790. After quoting a statement that David Rittenhouse had made (that Negroes "have been doomed to endless slavery by us — merely because

14468: 13466:"Letter, Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker expressing his belief that blacks possess talents equal to those of "other colours of men," 30 August 1791" 11519:"Letter, Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker expressing his belief that blacks possess talents equal to those of "other colours of men," 30 August 1791" 9368:

Banneker's New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, or Ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1795: Being the Third after Leap-Year

6916:

Banneker's New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, or Ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1795: Being the Third after Leap-Year

4434:"Petitions for and against removal of the county seat of Baltimore County from Joppa to Baltimore Town, 1768: A. Petitions for removal of the County Seat" 15396: 15150: 14829:

The artifacts donated by Mr. Friedman, including a William and Mary drop-leaf table, candlesticks and documents, will be brought to the museum next year.

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A Philadelphia edition of Banneker's 1793 almanac that Joseph Crukshank published contained copies of pleas for peace that the English anti-slavery poet

735:

the Motions of the Sun and Moon, the True Places and Aspects of the Planets, the Rising and Setting of the Sun, Place and Age of the Moon, &c. – The

16939:

A sketch of the life of Benjamin Banneker: from notes taken in 1836: read by J. Saurin Norris, before the Maryland Historical Society, October 5th, 1854

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Boundary markers of the Nation's Capital: a proposal for their preservation & protection: a National Capital Planning Commission Bicentennial report

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Free African Americans of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland and Delaware: Free African Americans of Maryland and Delaware: Adams-Butler

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Free African Americans of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland and Delaware: Free African Americans of Maryland and Delaware: Adams-Butler

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VI. To subdue that passion for war, .... militia laws should everywhere be repealed, and military dresses and military titles should be laid aside. ....

14305: 2828: 763:; with interesting and entertaining Essays, in Prose and Verse –the whole comprising a greater, more pleasing, and useful Variety than any Work of the 436:

After his father died in 1759, Banneker lived with his mother and sisters. In 1768, he signed a Baltimore County petition to move the county seat from

413:

who later established a school near the Banneker family farm. (Quakers were leaders in the anti-slavery movement and advocates of racial equality (see

15419:.... "Banneker "wrote a proposal for the establishment of a United States Department of Peace," according to the essay on African American scientists. 14936: 5426: 3787:

Banaka (Banaka) is a populated place .... in Bomi County (Bomi), Liberia (Africa) .... . It is located at an elevation of 117 meters above sea level.

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With limited materials having been preserved related to Banneker's life and career, there's been a fair amount of legend and misinformation presented.

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The Virginia almanack, for the year of our Lord, 1794. ... / Calculated by that ingenious self taught astronomer Benjamin Banneker, a black man. ...

6395:

The Virginia almanack, for the year of our Lord, 1794. ... / Calculated by that ingenious self taught astronomer Benjamin Banneker, a black man. ...

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and later legislation. The territory was a square that measured 10 miles (16 km) on each side, totaling 100 square miles (260 km) (see:

12481: 9861: 9856: 9790: 7314: 7200:. Baltimore: Printed for Philip Edwards, James Keddie, and Thomas, Andrews and Butler; and Sold at their respective Stores, Wholesale and Retail. 7163:. Baltimore: Printed for Philip Edwards, James Keddie, and Thomas, Andrews and Butler; and Sold at their respective Stores, Wholesale and Retail. 6216: 5102: 2232:. Baltimore: Printed for Philip Edwards, James Keddie, and Thomas, Andrews and Butler; and Sold at their respective Stores, Wholesale and Retail. 894:

and self-described friend of Banneker, had written to Goddard and his partner, James Angell, in August 1791 to support the almanac's publication.

433:. He appears to have modelled his clock from a borrowed pocket watch by carving each piece to scale. The clock continued to work until his death. 17575: 14515:

admirers to donate the artifacts to the new Banneker museum or give the sponsoring group more time to raise money so it can buy the items itself.

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in the duplicate differs from that in the copy that Jefferson produced on his copying press. The Library attributes the duplicate to Jefferson.

739:, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Festivals, and other remarkable Days; Days for holding the Supreme and Circuit Courts of the 666:, a prominent American astronomer, almanac author, surveyor and scientific instrument maker who was at the time serving as the president of the 7927: 612:, who usually assisted Andrew, had completed the New York survey and were able to join the survey of the federal district at around that time. 12991: 12846: 3443: 17525: 16978: 14522: 14491: 14156: 13914: 13781: 13728: 13556: 13383: 12278: 11890: 11633: 2471:

which respectively contain the accounts of Banneker by John B. H. Latrobe and Martha E. Tyson. They were subsequently reprinted as pamphlets.

731:

The title pages of the Baltimore editions of Banneker's 1792, 1793 and 1794 almanacs and ephemerides stated that the publications contained:

696:

for every year since 1782. Goddard then agreed to print and distribute Banneker's work within an almanac and ephemeris for the year of 1792.

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only a handwritten ledger once owned by Banneker, who helped to chart the boundaries of the area that would become the District of Columbia.

13794:

Footnote: "PrC (DLC); at foot of first page of text: "M. de Condorcet."" (Abbreviations: "DLC": "Library of Congress"; "PrC": "Press Copy".)

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The debate on a motion for the abolition of the slave-trade: in the House of Commons on Monday the second of April, 1792, reported in detail

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The debate on a motion for the abolition of the slave-trade: in the House of Commons on Monday the second of April, 1792, reported in detail

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Footnote: RC (MHi); at head of text: "Thomas Jefferson Secretary of State"; endorsed by TJ as received 26 Aug. 1791 and so recorded in SJL.

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to Baltimore. An entry for his property in a 1773 Baltimore County tax list identified Banneker as the only adult member of his household.

14418:"George was interested in astronomy, and he loaned a number of things to Banneker, including the table and several books," Walsh said.... 13280:

of the manuscript, sequential digitized images of each page in the manuscript, and additional digitized images of pages in the manuscript.

12542: 12495: 12415: 9447: 9269: 8951: 7781: 7645: 7380: 7328: 7248: 7188: 6995: 6818: 6500: 6327: 6261: 6195: 5919: 5899: 4099: 3538:. "Sir, I freely and cheerfully acknowledge, that I am of the African race, and in that color which is natural to them of the deepest dye" 1890: 1729:

and the names of a number of recreational and cultural facilities, schools, streets, and other facilities and institutions throughout the

1690: 17580: 17555: 17364: 16916: 14901: 14874: 14842: 14310: 14267: 14258: 13008: 12866: 10069:"A specialized fungal parasite (Massospora cicadina) hijacks the sexual signals of periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada)" 9874: 9803: 9694: 9095:

Benjamin Bannaker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, for the year of our Lord 1795: Being the Third after Leap-Year

9057:

Benjamin Bannaker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, for the year of our Lord 1795: Being the Third after Leap-Year

6644:

Benjamin Bannaker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, for the year of our Lord 1795: Being the Third after Leap-Year

6606:

Benjamin Bannaker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, for the year of our Lord 1795: Being the Third after Leap-Year

4315: 3801: 3203: 3044: 14281: 13023: 12885: 12151: 10283: 9713: 3063: 1467: 1275:

I. Let a Secretary of Peace be appointed to preside in this office; ....; let him be a genuine republican and a sincere Christian, ....

17565: 17560: 16659: 16029: 15912: 15138: 5021: 3481: 2887:

following February, leaving Benjamin Ellicott, a brother of the principal surveyor, to draw a small version of the plan to be engraved.

2700: 14424:"We want to spearhead an effort to keep these things here in Maryland," said Marable, a descendant of one of Banneker's three sisters. 8327:, who was afterward senator of Maryland, and evidently a man who appreciated intellect whether in the soul of the black or white. ..." 7961:. Baltimore: Printed and sold, wholesale and retail, by William Goddard and James Angell, at their printing-office, in Market-Street. 4342: 2975: 1617: 1342:

editors (A Society of Gentlemen) titled the letter as being "from the famous self-taught astronomer, Benjamin Banneker, a black man".

17550: 17530: 17229: 17106: 14190: 11567: 11240: 9341: 9069: 8930: 8687: 8622: 8533: 8437: 6889: 6618: 6407: 4227: 3747: 3149: 3120: 1710:

exaggerating Banneker's accomplishments has developed during the two centuries that have elapsed since his death, becoming a part of

891: 12917: 12789: 10916: 8754:

The Cambridge History of English and American Literature: An Encyclopedia in Eighteen Volumes: Volume X: English: The Age of Johnson

5439:

After the war, he (Ellicott) returned to Fountainvale, the family home in Ellicott Upper Mills, and published a series of almanacs,

17585: 15485: 13334: 13287: 11220: 8749:

Vol. 10. The Age of Johnson. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature: An Encyclopedia in Eighteen Volumes. 1907–21

8417: 7576: 6120: 6038: 5969: 5852: 3281: 1767: 1282:

III. Let every family be furnished at public expense, by the Secretary of this office, with an American edition of the Bible. ....

689: 359: 16604:"A letter from Mr. James McHenry, to messrs. Goddard and Angel, containing particulars respecting Benjamin Banneker, a free negro" 15713: 12639: 11775: 11560:"Exhibition: Thomas Jefferson: Creating A Virginia Republic: Benjamin Banneker: Talents equal to those of the other colors of men" 9193: 8096: 6742: 4010: 17343: 16987:. Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution: A Bicentennial Series. Washington, D.C.: United States Army Center of Military History. 16943: 15967: 15443: 15324: 14387: 14319: 14277: 13109: 12881: 11737: 10215: 10054: 9752: 9709: 9560: 9035:. Rhistoric publications. Philadelphia: Printed for William Young, Bookseller, no. 52, the Corner of Chesnut and Second—streets. 7772: 7108: 6584:. Rhistoric publications. Philadelphia: Printed for William Young, Bookseller, no. 52, the Corner of Chesnut and Second—streets. 6461: 4539: 3329: 3059: 2466: 2159:. Rhistoric publications. Philadelphia: Printed for William Young, Bookseller, no. 52, the Corner of Chesnut and Second—streets. 1626: 846: 555: 16782:"The Negro, Benjamin Banneker; Astronomer and Mathematician, Plea for Universal Peace (Read before the Society, April 18, 1916)" 15092:

The Banneker story, impressive as it was, got embellished in 1987, when the public school system in Portland, Oregon, published

12113:

On the Cultural Achievements of Negroes: Translated with notes and an introduction by Thomas Cassirer & Jean-François Brière

5956: 5139: 2676:

The Banneker story, impressive as it was, got embellished in 1987, when the public school system in Portland, Oregon, published

2304: 2028:. Philadelphia: Printed for the Proprietors, by William Young, Bookseller, No. 52, Second street, the corner of Chesnut—street. 897:

As first published in Banneker's 1792 almanac and later given an increased circulation when re-published in Philadelphia within

379: 296:

after his death, leading to many accounts of his life being exaggerated or embellished. The names of parks, schools and streets

17605: 17570: 17545: 17540: 16848: 16793: 15832: 15724: 14960: 3774: 2583:

In any case, Banneker's participation in the surveying of the Federal District was unquestionably brief and his role uncertain.

1911: 869: 16265: 15205: 13520: 11336: 9392: 6940: 5467:"ELLICOTT'S Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris for 1786. Baltimore: Goddard and Langworthy." 4417: 4202: 3877: 3505: 2808: 2087:"Letter from the famous self-taught astronomer, Benjamin Banneker, a black man, to Thomas Jefferson, Esq., Secretary of State" 1401:, to whom Jefferson sent Banneker's almanac, was a noted French mathematician and abolitionist who was a member of the French 12705: 4433: 2320: 15542: 14607: 13988: 11472: 14039: 13648: 12638:

Clark, James W., Maryland Commission on Afro-American and Indian History and Culture, Annapolis, Maryland (June 14, 1976).

12610:. Baltimore: Printed by Christopher Jackson, for George Keatinge's Wholesale and Retail book store, no. 140 Market-Street. 7458:. Baltimore: Printed by Christopher Jackson, for George Keatinge's Wholesale and Retail book store, no. 140 Market-Street. 5623:"The Continental pocket almanac for 1781. By Anthony Sharpe (i.e., David Rittenhouse). Philadelphia: Francis Bailey. 1780." 5017: 5003: 4863: 4826: 4009:

Clark, James W., Maryland Commission on Afro-American and Indian History and Culture, Annapolis, Maryland (June 14, 1976).

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Benjamin Banneker's achievements, against the odds, made him an American hero, but he has been mythologized to some extent.

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This exhibition and related materials is made possible by a generous grant from Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.

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Bedini said the artifacts are especially valuable because they are among the few remaining privately owned Banneker items.

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The Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, for the Year of Our Lord, 1795; Being the Third after Leap-Year

9418:

The Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia Almanack for the Year of our Lord 1795; Being the Third after Leap-Year

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The Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac, for the Year of Our Lord, 1795; Being the Third after Leap-Year

6966:

The Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia Almanack for the Year of our Lord 1795; Being the Third after Leap-Year

5611:"The MARYLAND, Virginia and Pennsylvania Almanack and Ephemeris for 1780. By David Rittenhouse. Baltimore: M. K. Goddard." 1621:

Interior of Benjamin Banneker Museum in Oella, Maryland. A drop-leaf table that Banneker used is in the background. (2017)

814:

and Baltimore, Maryland). Later almanacs contained tables for making such calculations for those locations as well as for

16707: 15677: 14989: 14780:"Benjamin Banneker 1731–1806: His Life and Place: Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.: February 8 — March 30, 1997" 14758: 14733: 14632: 14548: 9939: 9764: 8746:. In Ward, Adolphus W.; Waller, Alfred R.; Trent, William P.; Erskine, John; Sherman, Stuart P.; Van Doren, Carl (eds.). 2840: 1685: 1654: 635:

Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage

313:

Banneker was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Maryland, to Mary Banneky, a free black woman, and Robert, a

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seaboard, being the first professional astronomer in America, and discovering the seventeen-year birth cycle of cicadas.

14673: 14176: 2346: 1256:, for the United States". Although the almanac did not identify the Plan's author, writers later attributed the work to 853:, the account related the presumed origins and causes of the epidemic, as well as the extent and duration of the event. 16738: 16564:

Selections from the letters and manuscripts of the late Susanna Mason; with a brief memoir of her life, by her daughter

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images of pages in the manuscript for the almanac and to 12 digitized images of printed pages of the published almanac.

11142: 4600:"Baltimore: From the End of the War with Great Britain and the Opening of the South American Trade to the Present Time" 3325: 1526: 860:

A Baltimore edition of Banneker's 1796 almanac contained a table enumerating the population of each U.S. state and the

51: 15295: 14806: 3378: 3024: 2995: 17595: 16603: 16475: 16155: 16074: 15975: 15628: 15502: 14779: 14635:

being planned in Washington, which he believed would be willing to share the artifacts with the Banneker museum. ....

13951: 13818: 13593: 13421: 13160: 12312: 12121: 11924: 11667: 11091: 11009: 10691: 10359: 10355: 10351: 10347: 10343: 8361: 7897: 7463: 5713: 5598: 5588: 5227: 4978: 4943: 4822: 4767: 4504: 4119: 4072: 4068: 4004:(2) Facsimile of handwritten deed conveying property from Richard Gist to Robert Bannaky and Benjamin Bannaky. 3949: 3545: 3541: 3017:"Ellicott's letter to the commissioners on engraving the plan of the city, in which no reference is made to Banneker" 2539: 1224: 944: 414: 281: 69: 16754: 12913: 12785: 12365: 10337: 10163: 10002: 8580: 8472: 8182: 5007: 4174: 4123: 3582: 2428: 15094: 14926: 13357: 13330: 11070:"Benjamin Banneker's Revision of Thomas Jefferson: Conscience vs. Science in the Early American Antislavery Debate" 9960: 8189: 5011: 2615: 1733:

have commemorated Banneker's documented and mythical accomplishments throughout the years since he lived. In 1983,

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In his letter, Banneker accused Jefferson of criminally using fraud and violence to oppress his slaves by stating:

1318: 519: 16436: 15865: 14549:"For sale: Benjamin Banneker's legacy: Artifacts on the block: Business leaders should help bring rare items home" 5500: 1573: 1572:

holds a copy of Jefferson's August 30, 1791, handwritten reply to Banneker. Jefferson produced this document on a

563: 15360: 14807:"Banneker dream a reality Oella: Artifacts of the 'first black man of science' on display in new museum and park" 14058:

Bedini, Silvio A., Thomas Jefferson and His Copying Machines, University Press of Virginia, Charlottesville, 1984

13669:

Bedini, Silvio A., Thomas Jefferson and His Copying Machines, University Press of Virginia, Charlottesville, 1984

13017: 12875: 10627: 9703: 9226: 8129: 6775: 3350: 3053: 640: 16363: 7657:. Baltimore: Printed and sold, wholesale and retail, by James Angell, at his printing-office, in Market-Street. 6273:. Baltimore: Printed and sold, wholesale and retail, by James Angell, at his printing-office, in Market-Street. 4869:

Astronomy Explained Upon Sir Isaac Newton's Principles,: And Made Easy to Those who Have Not Studied Mathematics

4734: 1441:

In 1809, three years after Banneker's death, Jefferson expressed a different opinion of Banneker in a letter to

1137:

The surviving journal described in April 1800 Banneker's recollections of the 1749, 1766 and 1783 emergences of

1119: 17169: 16902: 16608: 16483: 16203: 15881: 15782: 15248: 15065: 13633: 13484: 12732: 12129: 11537: 11150: 10855: 10788: 10480: 9325:

An Account of the Yellow Fever, in Philadelphia. The Astronomical Calculations by Benjamin Banneker, An African

6873:

An Account of the Yellow Fever, in Philadelphia. The Astronomical Calculations by Benjamin Banneker, An African

4368: 2920: 2759: 2649: 1681: 1603: 1230: 899: 667: 634: 604:

more attention to his farm than was needed during the winter. In addition, Andrew Ellicott's younger brothers,

293: 9652:"An Address to Benjamin Banneker, an African Astronomer, who presented the author with a manuscript Almanack." 8053:

Committee for relieving the Sick and Distressed, appointed by the Citizens of Philadelphia, Sept. 14th, 1793.

7949: 6107: 5633: 4839:(in Latin and English). London: William and John Richardson: Sold by John Nourse, John Mount and Thomas Page. 4350: 1810:

Banneker's Almanack and Ephemeris for the Year of Our Lord 1793; being The First After Bissextile or Leap Year

688:

the support of Pemberton, Rittenhouse and Waring, Banneker delivered a manuscript containing his ephemeris to

327:

However, later biographers have contended that Banneker's mother was the child of Molly Welsh, a former white

249:, Banneker had little or no formal education and was largely self-taught. He became known for assisting Major 17590: 9022: 8569: 8565: 8561: 8343: 8215: 8076: 8054: 8030: 8026: 7941: 7937: 7903: 7563: 6571: 6025: 3609: 2146: 1587:

The Library of Congress holds a handwritten duplicate of Jefferson's letter to the Marquis de Condorcet. The

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Memoir of Benjamin Banneker: Read before the Maryland Historical Society at the Monthly Meeting, May 1, 1845

15356: 15350: 12901: 12773: 11493: 10623: 10617: 9048: 8040: 7909: 6597: 5079: 4802: 4645: 2424: 2174: 1826: 401:

In 1737, Banneker was named at the age of 6 on the deed of his family's 100-acre (0.40 km) farm in the

17241: 17052: 15670:"Early American Scientific Instruments and Their Makers: The Mathematical Practitioners: Benjamin Banneker" 14335: 14000: 13292: 13226: 13179: 12575: 12510: 12448: 11252: 11083: 9480: 9353: 9288: 9160:

Bannaker's Wilmington almanac, or ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1795, Being the Third after Leap Year

9108: 9081: 8988: 8726: 8545: 8449: 8036: 7807: 7678: 7413: 7347: 7281: 7213: 7150: 7028: 6901: 6837: 6709:

Bannaker's Wilmington almanac, or ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1795, Being the Third after Leap Year

6657: 6630: 6537: 6419: 6360: 6294: 6228: 5942: 5868:. Philadelphia: Printed for William Young, Bookseller, No. 52, Second-street, the corner of Chesnut-street. 5725: 5418: 4356: 4330: 2219: 1595: 1551: 948: 273: 246: 17019:. Rhistoric publications (1969 Reprint ed.). Rhistoric Publications, a division of Microsurance Inc. 16461: 16335: 15669: 14944: 13307: 10233: 10156: 9995: 8923:

Exhibition: Thomas Jefferson: Creating A Virginia Republic: Benjamin Banneker: Benjamin Banneker's Almanac

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Exhibition: Thomas Jefferson: Creating A Virginia Republic: Benjamin Banneker: Benjamin Banneker's Almanac

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A number of fictional accounts of Banneker are available. All of them were dependent upon the following:

2434:. Rhistoric publications (1969 Reprint ed.). Rhistoric Publications, a division of Microsurance Inc. 2186:. Rhistoric publications (1969 Reprint ed.). Rhistoric Publications, a division of Microsurance Inc. 1839:. Rhistoric publications (1969 Reprint ed.). Rhistoric Publications, a division of Microsurance Inc. 17600: 17209:

Banneker, the Afric-American Astronomer. From the posthumous papers of M.E. Tyson. Edited by her daughter

16894: 16524: 16465: 12710: 12061: 10333: 8468: 5688:"Poor Will's almanac for 1790. The astronom. calculations by Wm. Waring. Philadelphia: Joseph Crukshank." 5566:"Poor Will's almanac for 1790. The astronom. calculations by Wm. Waring. Philadelphia: Joseph Crukshank." 2114: 2086: 1738: 952: 332: 13752: 13353: 11718: 11714: 11353: 9610:"A Sketch of Ellicott's Mills, and an Account of Benjamin Banneker, compiled from remembrances of 1796." 8262: 5479:"The MARYLAND and Virginia Almanack, and Ephemeris for 1788. By Andrew Ellicott. Baltimore: John Hayes." 2010: 17510: 17420: 17247: 17063: 16062: 15774: 15770: 15381: 15370: 15184: 15122: 15116: 14984: 14762: 14373: 14368: 13943: 13810: 13585: 13413: 13283: 13147: 13052: 12981: 12969: 12933: 12835: 12831: 12805: 12632: 12620: 12600: 12535: 12486:. Baltimore: Printed by Christopher Jackson, no. 67, Market-Street, for George Keatinge's book-store. 12474: 12400: 12304: 12170: 12166: 11916: 11730: 11659: 11349: 11331: 11327: 11305: 11270: 11258: 11207: 11057: 11001: 10750: 10746: 10683: 10645: 10637: 10578: 10574: 10271: 10228: 9735: 9668: 9595: 9440: 9423: 9410: 9404: 9359: 9315: 9186: 9169: 9152: 9146: 9114: 9087: 9014: 8944: 8833: 8821: 8815: 8809: 8797: 8455: 8394: 8305: 8169: 8163: 8089: 7922: 7892: 7874: 7862: 7505: 7446: 7439: 7373: 7319:. Baltimore: Printed by Christopher Jackson, no. 67, Market-Street, for George Keatinge's book-store. 7307: 7241: 7143: 6988: 6971: 6958: 6952: 6907: 6863: 6735: 6718: 6701: 6695: 6663: 6636: 6563: 6493: 6425: 6386: 6320: 6254: 6188: 5949: 5871: 5858: 5841: 5755: 5707: 5702: 5698: 5685: 5675: 5637: 5620: 5614: 5608: 5575: 5569: 5563: 5537: 5514: 5510: 5494: 5488: 5482: 5476: 5470: 5464: 5454: 5448: 5403: 5399: 5386: 5382: 5304: 5300: 5219: 5185: 5173: 5114: 5068: 5064: 4794: 4790: 4603: 4181: 2691: 2531: 2499: 2488: 2482: 1974: 1510: 1376: 456: 242: 152: 121: 16937: 16653: 16395: 16329: 16288: 16284: 15961: 15764: 15618: 15614: 15427: 14593:

The items, including a drop-leaf table, candlestick and candle mold, maps, letters and diaries, .... .

11742: 11136: 11132: 9673: 9649: 9631: 9613: 9607: 8849:"The 1795 edition saw three separate versions (of Banneker's almanac) published in Baltimore alone; a 8251: 8247: 7501: 5553: 5543: 5527: 5506: 5095: 4786: 4599: 4532: 4528: 4476: 4336: 4248: 3597: 3194: 3083: 2685: 1321:. Quoting language in the Declaration, the letter expressed a plea for justice for African Americans. 526:(a son of Joseph Ellicott and a cousin of George Ellicott) to survey an area that would contain a new 16562: 16261: 16108: 15578:

The National Magazine: A Journal Devoted To American History: Vol. XVII, November, 1892 — April, 1893

14363: 14350: 14346: 14072: 14068: 13687: 13679: 13142: 12963: 12959: 9740: 8258: 5322: 5271: 4339:"Completed in 1753, Bannekers' clock continued to operate until his death, more than 50 years later." 4291: 4287: 955:'s report of the debate that accompanied this effort did not mention either Banneker or his almanac. 865: 42: 17338: 15351:

Whiteman, Maxwell (1969). BENJAMIN BANNEKER: Surveyor and Astronomer: 1731–1806: A biographical note

14674:"Banneker artifacts sought on loan: Oella museum backers want to borrow items bought by D.C. banker" 14243: 13266: 12595: 12530: 12468: 11980: 11976: 10900: 10618:

Whiteman, Maxwell (1969). BENJAMIN BANNEKER: Surveyor and Astronomer: 1731–1806: A biographical note

9550: 9500: 9308: 9246: 9008: 8149: 8010: 7827: 7762: 7698: 7636: 7493: 7433: 7367: 7301: 7233: 7098: 7048: 6857: 6795: 6557: 6380: 6314: 6248: 6180: 6098: 6016: 4590: 4283: 4279: 3654: 2785: 2073: 1606:

that enabled him to make the copy at the same time that he was writing the original. An Englishman,

1453:

the whole do not amount in point of evidence, to what we know ourselves of Banneker. we know he had

701:

Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris, for the Year of our Lord, 1792

17360: 13222: 13175: 12987: 12842: 5721: 3435: 1742: 1711: 1665: 1555: 1518: 1514: 932: 850: 452: 444: 17302: 15174:

widespread Afrocentric teaching material. Educators should be aware of their crippling flaws. ....

14144: 13902: 13769: 13755:"18. Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker, August 30, 1791, .... Jefferson's file copy is in the 13716: 13544: 13371: 12266: 12057: 11878: 11621: 10968: 9745: 5680: 5578:"Poulson's town and country almanac for 1791. By Wm. Waring. Philadelphia: Zachariah Poulson, jr." 5572:"Poulson's town and country almanac for 1790. By Wm. Waring. Philadelphia: Zachariah Poulson, jr." 4872:. London: Printed for, and sold by the author, at the Globe, opposite Cecil-street in the Strand. 17147: 17122: 16888: 16260:: MATRIX: The Center for Humane Arts, Letters and Social Sciences Online: Department of History: 15226: 15051: 14783: 14770: 14766: 14194: 12716: 12654: 12228: 12111: 12015: 11073: 10677: 10543: 10472: 10466: 10246: 5911: 5849:

Benjamin Banneker's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris for 1792

5798: 5762: 5209: 4905: 4867: 4834: 4025: 3935: 3165: 3091: 2898: 2635: 2521: 1886: 1756: 1695: 1661: 807: 629: 12724: 11300: 5485:"POOR Robin's Almanac for 1788. By Andrew Ellicott. Frederick-Town: Matthias Bartgis. .... 2112" 4304:

From the posthumous papers of M.E. Tyson. Edited by Her Daughter. Phila. 1020 Arch Street. 1884"

4205:"Cerami constructs a credible narrative of Banneker's life, but fails to document his research." 347: 16703: 16471: 16391: 15538: 15190: 14182: 12117: 11424: 10942: 10938: 10599: 10595: 10591: 10548:. London: Printed for John Stockdale, Opposite Burlington-House, Piccadilly. pp. 270–273. 10531: 10527: 10523: 10404: 10400: 10326: 10322: 10309: 10305: 10301: 8757: 6339:. Philadelphia: Printed by William Young, No. 52, Second-street, the corner of Chesnut-street. 5662: 5602: 5592: 4091: 2792: 1454: 1147: 803: 578: 448: 16884: 16781: 16567:. Philadelphia: Rackliff & Jones, Printers, S.W. corner of George & Swanwick Streets. 16193: 15047: 13933: 13861: 12945: 12817: 12294: 12224: 12186: 12011: 11069: 10605: 10458: 8846: 8320: 5879:

Benjamin Banneker's 1793 Almanack and Ephemeris; being The First After Bissextile or Leap-Year

4968: 4480: 4299: 4197: 3793: 3718: 3701: 3312: 3189: 2631: 1301: 959:

edition contained a poem titled: "Addressed to Benjamin Banneker". The verse began and ended:

17153: 17143: 17118: 16837: 15572: 15222: 15010: 14262: 14186: 14103: 13996: 13939: 13806: 13800: 13581: 13575: 13409: 13403: 13356:"17. Banneker to Thomas Jefferson, August 19, 1791, 7S. I. 38–43, Jefferson-Coolidge Papers, 13012: 12870: 12300: 12107: 11912: 11906: 11812: 11808: 11801: 11797: 11709: 11705: 11700: 11655: 11649: 11358: 11317: 11285: 11280: 11275: 11193: 11062: 11045: 10997: 10991: 10841: 10727: 10673: 10658: 10287: 9698: 5362: 5358: 5215: 5205: 3931: 3714: 3697: 3161: 3048: 2894: 2527: 2517: 2060: 1984: 1961: 1923:. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by Daniel Lawrence, No. 33. North Fourth-Street, Near Race. 1611: 1310: 1246: 651: 588: 418: 16013: 15135: 13272:

James Angell, at their Printing-Office, in Market Street. The web page contains 19 links to

11837: 11833: 10539: 5617:"The Continental almanac for 1781. By Anthony Sharpe, Philom. Philadelphia: Francis Bailey." 2697: 624:

After returning to Ellicott's Mills, Banneker made astronomical calculations that predicted

17520: 17515: 17482: 17297:

linking to digital files and further resources about Banneker, from the Library of Congress

17144:"Early Writers: Jupiter Hammon, Phillis Wheatley, and Benjamin Banneker: Benjamin Banneker" 16048: 15873: 15014: 14608:"Coveted Banneker items going, going . . . gone: Dismayed local group outbid by Va. banker" 14388:"18th-century Banneker items to be auctioned: Museum organizers hope to buy rare artifacts" 13935:

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, vol. 1, 4 March 1809 to 15 November 1809

13110:"18th-century Banneker items to be auctioned: Museum organizers hope to buy rare artifacts" 12296:

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, vol. 1, 4 March 1809 to 15 November 1809

11591: 10089: 9434: 9372: 9180: 9163: 9127: 8964: 8882: 8850: 8683: 8618: 8521: 8373: 8356: 8338: 8334: 8330: 8210: 8206: 8202: 7879: 7519: 6982: 6920: 6729: 6712: 6676: 6513: 6441: 5497:"ELLICOTT'S Maryland and Virginia Almanack, and Ephemeris for 1790. Baltimore: John Hayes." 5491:"ELLICOTT'S Maryland and Virginia Almanack, and Ephemeris for 1789. Baltimore: John Hayes." 5473:"ELLICOTT'S Maryland and Virginia Almanack, and Ephemeris for 1787. Baltimore: John Hayes." 4129: 3128: 2967: 1398: 823: 794:

In addition to the information that its title page described, the 1792 almanac contained a

709: 705: 582: 542:

The territory that became the original District of Columbia was formed from land along the

125: 17381: 17207: 15363:

from whose institution these copies have been made, the "Peace Office" is the work of Dr.

13569:

Footnote: "PrC (DLC)". (Abbreviations: "DLC": "Library of Congress"; "PrC": "Press Copy".)

11559: 11214: 10630:

from whose institution these copies have been made, the "Peace Office" is the work of Dr.

9322: 9055: 8918: 8659: 8594: 8516: 8411: 6870: 6604: 6432: 6393: 5503:"ELLICOTT'S Maryland and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris for 1791. Baltimore: John Hayes." 3732: 786:

portrait of Benjamin Bannaker (Banneker) in title page of a Baltimore edition of his 1795

8: 17334: 16696:

Reconstructing Molly Welsh: Race, Memory and the Story of Benjamin Banneker's Grandmother

16025: 15401: 15240: 15155: 14734:"Museum to display Banneker artifacts: Owner will allow objects to be shown for 20 years" 14712: 14652: 14580: 14473: 14452: 14339: 14128: 13876: 13516: 13480: 12905: 12777: 12650: 12403:"Banneker's almanac for the year 1797 was the last of his almanacs to be published. ...." 12201: 11972: 11855: 11606: 11563: 11533: 11379: 11079: 10908: 10847: 10774: 10164:"Benjamin Banneker's Original Handwritten Document: Observations and Study of the Cicada" 10068: 10003:"Benjamin Banneker's Original Handwritten Document: Observations and Study of the Cicada" 9329: 8926: 8909: 8858: 8264:

The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry: Secretary of War under Washington and Adams

6877: 6487: 6473: 5835: 5557: 5547: 5531: 5458: 5148: 5110: 4215: 4021: 3941: 3246: 2912: 2866: 2720: 2595: 2351: 2324: 2300: 1947: 1800: 1669: 1569: 1534: 1335:

also published Banneker's letter and Jefferson's reply in Philadelphia in late 1792. The

1264: 1203:

bodies have been disposed to reflect or absorb the rays of light in a way different from

1157: 1125: 940: 861: 839: 811: 717: 502: 336: 17152:. Vol. 1: Beginnings Through the Harlem Renaissance and Langston Hughes. New York: 17056: 13322: 10093: 10057:, Baltimore, Maryland: "The first great Locust year that I can Remember was 1749. ....". 4764:"Catonsville, MD – Oella – Benjamin Banneker's Historical Park & Museum – Time Line" 3269: 497: 16520: 15844: 15744: 15728: 15110: 14231: 14097: 13662: 13254: 13172:

In Pursuit of a Vision: Two Centuries of Collecting at the American Antiquarian Society

12583: 12518: 12456: 12068: 11764: 11464: 10888: 10825: 10440: 10251: 10118: 10076: 9894: 9823: 9538: 9488: 9296: 9234: 9207: 9102: 8996: 8679: 8614: 8137: 8110: 7998: 7815: 7750: 7686: 7624: 7536: 7481: 7421: 7355: 7289: 7221: 7086: 7036: 6845: 6783: 6756: 6651: 6545: 6368: 6302: 6236: 6168: 6086: 6004: 5770: 5718:

In Pursuit of a Vision: Two Centuries of Collecting at the American Antiquarian Society

5316: 4781: 4697: 4578: 4265: 2773: 2476: 2289: 1607: 1577: 1267:", described the Secretary's powers and advocated federal support and promotion of the 1237: 1195: 798:

listing the methods for calculating the time of high water at four locations along the

713: 429:

Around 1753, at about the age of 21, Banneker reportedly completed a wooden clock that

393: 328: 16982: 16051:. In Gillispie, Charles Coulston; Holmes, Frederic Lawrence; Koertge, Noretta (eds.). 15435: 15316: 14102:

Before he returned to England in 1803, Hawkins assigned his American patent rights to

12608:

Bannaker's Maryland and Virginia almanack and ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1797

10255:. Philadelphia: Printed for the Proprietors, by William Spotswood: 18–19. January 1790 8243: 3321: 1580:

that he used before he sent his reply to Banneker. He retained the copy in his files.

459:, and bought land along the Patapsco Falls near Banneker's farm on which to construct 17310: 17221: 17213: 17183: 17175: 17165: 17075: 17067: 17028: 17020: 16988: 16955: 16947: 16908: 16898: 16860: 16852: 16813: 16805: 16797: 16711: 16671: 16663: 16629: 16621: 16576: 16568: 16538: 16530: 16497: 16489: 16479: 16412: 16404: 16339: 16305: 16297: 16257: 16217: 16209: 16199: 16169: 16161: 16151: 16150:. Octagon research series. Washington, D.C.: American Institute of Architects Press. 16080: 16070: 16058: 15989: 15981: 15971: 15932: 15920: 15895: 15887: 15877: 15852: 15836: 15796: 15788: 15778: 15736: 15689: 15681: 15642: 15634: 15624: 15590: 15582: 15510: 15481: 15262: 15254: 15244: 15079: 15071: 15061: 14811: 14738: 14678: 14612: 14553: 14527: 14496: 14392: 14208: 14198: 13965: 13957: 13947: 13832: 13824: 13814: 13607: 13599: 13589: 13435: 13427: 13417: 13230: 13114: 12746: 12738: 12728: 12677: 12611: 12555: 12487: 12428: 12361: 12326: 12318: 12308: 12243: 12235: 12143: 12135: 12125: 12080: 12072: 12030: 12022: 11938: 11930: 11920: 11681: 11673: 11663: 11622:""From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker, 30 August 1791" (with editorial notes)" 11498: 11468: 11456: 11448: 11440: 11232: 11224: 11164: 11156: 11146: 11105: 11097: 11087: 11023: 11015: 11005: 10969:""To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Banneker, 19 August 1791" (with editorial notes)" 10869: 10861: 10851: 10802: 10794: 10784: 10739: 10719: 10697: 10687: 10669: 10650: 10549: 10494: 10486: 10476: 10428: 10420: 10371: 10363: 10193: 10185: 10123: 10105: 10032: 10024: 9902: 9886: 9831: 9815: 9460: 9384: 9376: 9333: 9261: 9199: 9131: 9061: 9036: 8968: 8894: 8886: 8525: 8486: 8478: 8429: 8421: 8276: 8268: 8102: 8062: 7970: 7962: 7787: 7658: 7596: 7588: 7469: 7459: 7393: 7320: 7261: 7201: 7164: 7008: 6932: 6924: 6881: 6810: 6748: 6680: 6610: 6585: 6517: 6453: 6445: 6399: 6340: 6274: 6208: 6140: 6132: 6058: 6050: 5981: 5973: 5820: 5812: 5241: 5233: 5223: 5025: 4974: 4919: 4911: 4881: 4873: 4840: 4807: 4650: 4617: 4609: 4551: 4543: 4382: 4374: 4364: 4223: 4145: 4137: 4048: 3955: 3945: 3629: 3621: 3613: 3416: 3300: 3222: 3124: 3095: 2934: 2926: 2916: 2755: 2663: 2655: 2645: 2553: 2545: 2535: 2443: 2435: 2399: 2233: 2195: 2187: 2160: 2037: 2029: 1932: 1924: 1848: 1840: 1780: 1772: 1645: 1252:

Crukshank's edition of Banneker's 1793 almanac also contained a copy of "A Plan of a

1152: 1142: 936: 912:

In their preface to Banneker's 1792 almanac, the editors of the work wrote that they:

663: 605: 464: 286: 268:

helped him author a commercially successful series of almanacs. He corresponded with

208: 37: 16242:"Benjamin Banneker: Fabled Genius Considered": Review of Cerami, Charles A. (2002), 15623:. Lanham, Maryland: Madison Books. Distributed by National Network. pp. 33–42. 14953: 14631:

said he planned to keep some for a personal collection and donate the rest to a new

12554:. Richmond: Printed by Samuel Pleasants, Jun. near the vendue office. By privilege. 12103: 12053: 12007: 11512:

Jefferson replied promptly and politely – but ambiguously on the subject of slavery:

7392:. Richmond: Printed by Samuel Pleasants, Jun. near the vendue office. By privilege. 4679: 3913: 3766: 3680: 2374:"National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Recorder of Deeds Building" 1446: 779: 346:, who several anthropologists have claimed had an early knowledge of astronomy (see 17470: 17458: 17434: 17407: 17325: 17272: 17157: 17114: 17090: 17004: 16970: 16686: 16591: 16553: 16512: 16427: 16354: 16320: 16241: 16232: 16100: 16004: 15952: 15924: 15811: 15704: 15657: 15197: 14795: 14113: 14064: 13675: 13501: 12720: 12095: 11432: 10817: 10264: 10175: 10113: 10097: 10014: 9878: 9870: 9807: 9799: 9366: 9121: 8291: 6914: 6670: 5103:"Andrew Ellicott and his Survey of the Federal Territory on the Potomac, 1791–1793" 4632: 4566: 4409: 3869: 3513: 3157: 2800: 2133: 2105: 2052: 1719: 1357:

And now Sir, I Shall conclude and Subscribe my Self with the most profound respect,

845:

A Philadelphia edition of Banneker's 1795 almanac contained a lengthy account of a

752: 751:

Also – several useful Tables, and valuable Receipts. – Various Selections from the

531: 527: 321:

who died in 1759. There are two conflicting accounts of Banneker's family history.

269: 254: 106: 9177:

Benjamin Bannakar's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac for 1795

8229: 6726:

Benjamin Bannakar's Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia almanac for 1795

4638:

for manufactures, within the radius of those twenty miles, at Patapsco Falls, ....

4266:"Memoir of Benjamin Banneker: Read Before the Maryland Historical Society, at ..." 3241: 1913:

Copy of a letter from Benjamin Banneker to the secretary of state, with his answer

923: 95: 17494: 16145: 16116: 15576: 15530: 15142: 14523:"$ 50,000 donated to Banneker museum 'Friends' hope to keep rare artifacts in Md" 14125:

The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress: Manuscript/Mixed Material

14057: 13873:

The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress: Manuscript/Mixed Material

13668: 13513:

The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress: Manuscript/Mixed Material

12767:

Banneker, Benjamin (09 November 1731–19 October 1806), farmer and astronomer, ...

12701: 12198:

The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress: Manuscript/Mixed Material

11428: 11415: 11410: 10909:"Benjamin Rush: 1745-1813: Representing Pennsylvania at the Continental Congress" 10085: 8020: 7584: 6128: 6046: 4605:

Baltimore: Past and Present. With Biographical Sketches of its Representative Men

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In 1997, it was announced that the artifacts would initially be exhibited in the

1637: 1530: 1477: 609: 570:

at or near every mile point along the borders of the new capital territory (see:

567: 523: 475: 437: 402: 318: 277: 250: 211: 148: 129: 15436:"Benjamin Banneker: The Black Tobacco Farmer Who The Presidents Couldn't Ignore" 15317:"Benjamin Banneker: The Black Tobacco Farmer Who The Presidents Couldn't Ignore" 14031: 13981:

Footnote: "RC (NjP: Straus Autograph Collection); endorsed by Barlow. PoC (DLC)"

13640: 13629: 5530:"The New-Jersey almanack for 1788. The astronomical calculations by Wm. Waring. 3322:"Benjamin Banneker: The Black Tobacco Farmer Who The Presidents Couldn't Ignore" 2972:

Online Encyclopedia of Significant People and Places in African American History

492: 17446: 16401: 14296: 12647:

Maryland State Historical Trust: Inventory Form for State Historic Sites Survey

11179: 10778: 10180: 10101: 10019: 9568: 9123:

Bannaker's Wilmington almanac, or ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1795, ...

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Bannaker's Wilmington almanac, or ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1795, ...

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Maryland State Historical Trust: Inventory Form for State Historic Sites Survey

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Banneker's 1792 almanac contained an extract from an anonymous essay entitled "

1162: 799: 530:. In February 1791, Ellicott left a surveying team that he had been leading in 430: 102: 17161: 16992: 16416: 16343: 15856: 15473: 14978: 14257: 13969: 13836: 13611: 13439: 13007: 12865: 12330: 11942: 11685: 11236: 11027: 9906: 9693: 9388: 8433: 7974: 7600: 7012: 6936: 6144: 6062: 5985: 5591:"The Virginia Almanac for 1774. By the celebrated Mr. Rittenhouse, Philomath. 5245: 4621: 4264:

John Hazlehurst Boneval Latrobe, Maryland Historical Society (June 30, 1845).

4149: 3043: 2557: 1614:, had earlier developed this device with the help of Jefferson's suggestions. 1405:. It appears that the Academy of Sciences itself did not receive the almanac. 838:

and other places. Monthly tables in each edition listed astronomical data and

17504: 17187: 17032: 16977: 16856: 16801: 16715: 16675: 16633: 16599: 16580: 16309: 16084: 15993: 15936: 15899: 15840: 15800: 15665: 15646: 15594: 15364: 15057: 14212: 13770:""From Thomas Jefferson to Condorcet, 30 August 1791" (with editorial notes)" 13234: 13075: 13061: 13045: 12750: 12697: 12383: 11879:""From Thomas Jefferson to Condorcet, 30 August 1791" (with editorial notes)" 11460: 11444: 11168: 11124: 11109: 10770: 10755: 10701: 10641: 10631: 10498: 10375: 10197: 10189: 10109: 10036: 10028: 9968: 9890: 9819: 9337: 8490: 8324: 8280: 6885: 6344: 4923: 4844: 4555: 4386: 4360: 3838: 3824: 3617: 2641: 2447: 2199: 1936: 1852: 1730: 1257: 887: 831: 819: 727:

Title page of the Baltimore edition of Banneker's 1792 almanac and ephemeris.

559: 543: 479: 468: 367: 258: 215: 17225: 16959: 16912: 16864: 16728: 16542: 16501: 16221: 16173: 15821:"The Survey of the Federal Territory: Andrew Ellicott and Benjamin Banneker" 15266: 15083: 12615: 12559: 12491: 12432: 12147: 12084: 12034: 10873: 10806: 10553: 10432: 9835: 9464: 9265: 9203: 9135: 9065: 9040: 8972: 8898: 8529: 8106: 7791: 7662: 7473: 7397: 7324: 7265: 7205: 7168: 6814: 6752: 6684: 6614: 6589: 6521: 6457: 6403: 6278: 6212: 5886: 5824: 4885: 4825:"It is about three years since mr. George Ellicott lent him Mayer's tables, 3959: 3633: 3121:"Washington Examined: Seat of Empire: the General and the Plan 1790 to 1801" 2938: 2667: 2425:"BENJAMIN BANNEKER: Surveyor and Astronomer: 1731–1806: A biographical note" 2379:. Washington, D.C: District of Columbia Office of Planning. pp. 18–19. 2237: 2164: 2041: 1875: 1784: 736: 17314: 17294: 17198: 17079: 16928: 16875: 16828: 16817: 16617: 16293: 16184: 15903: 15740: 15605: 15299: 15277: 15087: 14954:"Desk used by Benjamin Banneker, Benjamin Banneker Museum, Oella, Maryland" 14223: 14118: 13866: 13506: 13470: 13312: 13273: 13216: 13201: 13165: 12549: 12422: 12370: 12341: 12258: 12191: 12045: 11962: 11843: 11772: 11596: 11523: 11038: 10712: 10509: 10127: 10067:

Cooley, John R.; Marshall, David C.; Hill, Kathy B. R. (January 23, 2018).

9520: 9514:. Baltimore: Printed for And Sold by John Fisher, Stationer. Archived from 9454: 9274: 9212: 9097:. Philadelphia: Printed for Jacob Johnson & Co., No. 147 Market-Street. 9030: 8958: 8854: 8115: 7956: 7732: 7726:. Baltimore: Printed for And Sold by John Fisher, Stationer. Archived from 7652: 7570: 7526: 7453: 7387: 7333: 7255: 7195: 7158: 7068: 7062:. Baltimore: Printed for And Sold by John Fisher, Stationer. Archived from 7002: 6823: 6761: 6646:. Philadelphia: Printed for Jacob Johnson & Co., No. 147 Market-Street. 6579: 6507: 6334: 6268: 6207:. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by Joseph Crukshank, No. 87, High-Street. 6202: 6114: 6032: 5963: 5924: 5893: 5806: 5256: 5029: 4896: 4855: 3970: 3016: 2999: 2949: 2671: 2568: 2227: 2181: 2154: 2119: 2091: 2019: 1997: 1991: 1968: 1918: 1880: 1834: 1761: 1715: 1425: 1391: 1306: 1268: 1242: 1111: 659: 647: 343: 15693: 15198:"L'Enfant designed more than D.C.: He designed a 200-year-old controversy" 13661:

In 1785, Jefferson was using both stationary and portable presses made by

12247: 9811: 8055:"An Account of the Malignant Fever, which prevailed in Philadelphia, 1793" 5881:. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by Joseph Crukshank, No. 87, High-Street. 4682:. Maryland Historical Society. June 30, 1999 – via Internet Archive. 4496: 2801:"L'Enfant designed more than D.C.: He designed a 200-year-old controversy" 2096:. Maryland, Baltimore county, near Ellicott's Lower Mills. August 19, 1791 1812:. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by Joseph Crukshank, No. 87, High-Street. 593:

Northeast No. 4 boundary marker stone of the original District of Columbia

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A biographer suggested in 2002 that Banneka may have been a member of the

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