Benjamin Banneker: surveyor, astronomer, mathematician, almanac author, clock maker, and peace activist was born on November 9, 1731.

A Quaker based education excelled Banneker's thirst for knowledge during his teenage years. After limited formal schooling, much of his knowledge of mathematics and science was self-taught.

At age 31, Banneker made his first clock from wooden parts. He published almanacs from 1792 through 1802.

Banneker in less than a month created a surveyor’s map (1791) for Washington D.C. (rescuing city planners from the inaccurate calculations of previous surveyors).

This African American (1731 - 1806) is responsible for creating one of the world’s most beautiful and historic cities.