On August 22, 1791, Benjamin Banneker, a renowned mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor, played a significant role in the surveying of the District of Columbia, which later became the capital of the United States. He was appointed to the commission that surveyed the land for the new capital city, Washington, D.C.

In addition to his work on the survey, Banneker also published his first annual almanac in 1791. The almanac contained a wide range of information, including astronomical data, weather predictions, and other practical knowledge for farmers and everyday life. Banneker’s almanac was significant not only for its usefulness but also because it showcased his remarkable mathematical and scientific abilities.

Banneker’s accomplishments were groundbreaking, especially given the racial prejudices of the time. He is often remembered as one of the first African Americans to gain national recognition for his intellectual contributions.