Mythology of Benjamin Banneker
Specific aspects of Benjamin Banneker's life and legacy / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
According to accounts that began to appear during the 1960s or earlier, a substantial mythology has exaggerated the accomplishments of Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806), an African-American naturalist, mathematician, astronomer and almanac author who also worked as a surveyor and farmer.
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Well-known speakers, writers, artists and others have created, repeated and embellished a large number of questionable reports during the two centuries that have elapsed since Banneker lived.[1] Several urban legends describe Banneker's alleged activities in the Washington, D.C., area around the time that he assisted Andrew Ellicott in the federal district boundary survey.[2][3][4] Others involve his clock, his astronomical works, his almanacs and his journals.[3][5] Although part of African-American culture, many of these accounts lack support by historical evidence. Some are contradicted by evidence.
A United States postage stamp and the names of a number of recreational and cultural facilities, schools, streets, and other facilities and institutions throughout the United States have commemorated Banneker's documented and mythical accomplishments since the two centuries he lived.