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Benjamin Franklin Birth
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17th, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. -
Franklin's First Invention
In 1717, Franklin first invented a pair of fins to wear on his hands when swimming. -
Benjamin Banneker Birth
Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731 in Baltimore County, Maryland. -
Paper Money
In 1736, Franklin printed his first run of paper money for New Jersey as a result of his publication in 1729 regarding the concept. -
The First Postmaster
In 1753, Franklin mapped out all mail routes in the colonies as the joint Postmaster General of North America. -
Banneker's Clock
In 1753, Banneker constructs a clock using using mostly wood based upon his drawings and calculations. -
Pierre-Charles L'Enfant's Birth
Pierre-Charles L'Enfant was born on August 2, 1754 in Paris, France. -
Banneker Makes New Friends
In 1771, Banneker becomes close friends with George and Joseph Ellicott, who encourage Banneker to learn astronomy and mathematics by loaning books and instruments to observe the stars. Banneker teaches himself these skills. -
Pierre-Charles L'Enfant Education
In 1776, Pierre-Charles L'Enfant completed his studies at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in Paris. -
The Declaration of Independence
In 1776, Franklin helped write the Declaration of Independence. -
L'Enfant New Position
In 1783, the United States Congress makes L'Enfant the Major of Engineers. -
The Bifocals
In 1783, Franklin invented the bifocal glasses, improving people's sight both far and near. -
A Predicted Solar Eclipse
In 1788, Banneker almost accurately predicted a solar eclipse. He found that the slight error was actually due to a discrepancy in his expert sources. -
Franklin's Death
In 1790, Franking died at the age of 84 in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. -
Designing the Capital
In 1791, L'Enfant is hired to design the capital. -
Banneker's Support from Abolitionists
In 1793, Banneker receives support from abolitionist societies in Maryland and Pennsylvania in publishing his almanacs. This is due to his outspoken views on slavery. -
Banneker's Interactions With Thomas Jefferson
In 1793, Banneker writes to Thomas Jefferson, the secretary of state, criticizing his his proslavery views. In response, Jefferson wrote an acknowledgement of this received letter. These interactions were published in Banneker's 1793 almanac. -
Banneker's Death
On October 9th, 1806, Banneker passes away in Balitimore, Maryland in his small cabin. -
Death of L'Enfant
In 1825, L'Enfant passes away at the home of William Dudley Diffs in Green Hills, Maryland. -
L'Enfant's Mark on Washington D.C
In 1901, Washington D.C. is designed along the lines layed down by L'Enfant. -
L'Enfant's Burial Site
In 1908, as suggested by the Board of Commissioners, the Secretary of War, Luke E. Wright, makes a burial site in Arlington cemetery in honor of the Capitals architect.
