The story of Benjamin Banneker Bey, a brilliant Moorish American scientist, astronomer, and almanac author, has often been misrepresented in mainstream historical narratives. While many sources claim he was born in Ellicott City, Maryland, the truth reveals a much deeper and more complex history—one that ties Banneker Bey to Oella, a Moorish settlement that predates the establishment of Ellicott City. Understanding this distinction not only corrects historical inaccuracies but also sheds light on the rich heritage of Moorish Americans in early America.
The Moorish Settlement of Oella’
Benjamin Banneker Bey was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, in a community known as Oella. This settlement, much like Seneca Village (the Moorish community that existed in what is now Central Park, New York City), was an enclave of self-sufficient Moors who thrived despite the oppressive colonial environment surrounding them. Oella was not merely a random location but a place of cultural significance where Moorish Americans exercised sovereignty, maintained traditions, and contributed to scientific and agricultural advancements.
The modern-day historical erasure of Oella’s true origins follows a pattern of displacement that targeted indigenous and free Moorish communities. Instead of acknowledging Oella as a longstanding Moorish settlement, historical revisionists later assimilated it into narratives that centered European settlers, masking the presence and contributions of Moors in the region. Today, much of Oella is hidden beneath Patapsco Valley State Park, just as Seneca Village was buried beneath Central Park.
The Fallacy of Ellicott City’s Connection to Banneker Bey
Ellicott City, Maryland, was officially founded in 1772—41 years after the birth of Benjamin Banneker Bey. This alone dismantles the false claim that he was born there. At the time of his birth, the land had not yet been transformed into the industrial hub that the Ellicott brothers later developed. Instead, the region consisted of Moorish settlements and indigenous communities that predated colonial expansion.
The assertion that Banneker Bey was born in Ellicott City is not just a historical error—it is part of a broader attempt to erase the prominence of Moors in the shaping of early America. By placing his birth within a settler-colonial context, historians have downplayed the reality that he was born into a Moorish family with a legacy of self-sufficiency, intelligence, and resilience.
Banneker Bey’s Moorish Legacy and Contributions
From a young age, Banneker Bey exhibited an unparalleled aptitude for mathematics, engineering, and astronomy—an intellectual inheritance from his Moorish lineage. He famously constructed a fully operational wooden clock, modeled after a pocket watch, with precise mechanical accuracy. This feat alone demonstrated his mastery of engineering principles without formal European education.
His most notable achievements include his precise astronomical calculations and the publication of his widely respected almanacs. These works not only provided essential agricultural and meteorological data but also served as testaments to the intellectual prowess of Moors in America. His exchanges with Thomas Jefferson further highlighted his role as a scientific mind who challenged the misconceptions of racial inferiority that were prevalent at the time.
Preserving the Truth of Banneker Bey’s Moorish Roots
Understanding the true origins of Benjamin Banneker Bey is vital in reclaiming the erased history of Moorish Americans. His birthplace, Oella, should be recognized as a vibrant Moorish settlement, not as a mere precursor to Ellicott City. The relocation of historical narratives to center European settlers rather than the indigenous and Moorish peoples who predated them is a deliberate act of historical amnesia that must be corrected.
Banneker Bey’s contributions stand as undeniable proof of the brilliance and innovation of Moorish Americans. His ability to master complex scientific disciplines, challenge the status quo, and leave behind a legacy of knowledge places him among the greatest minds in history. By restoring the truth of his Moorish heritage and the history of Oella, we honor not only Banneker Bey but the countless Moors whose stories have been obscured by time and colonial revisionism.
In recognizing Banneker Bey as a Moorish American, we affirm his rightful place in history and celebrate the enduring legacy of his people—whose knowledge, resilience, and genius continue to inspire generations to this day.
