Historic log cabin unveiled

10:11:20 18th November 2009

A replica of a historically significant log cabin has been opened to the public in Catonsville near Baltimore, Maryland, the WJZ television network reports.

The timber shed is a copy of the small log cabin where Benjamin Banneker, who was a famous figure in African American history, lived.

Banneker was born in 1731, and his father and grandfather had been slaves. He has been described as ´the first African American scientist´ for his contribution to astronomy.

He also exchanged letters with the USA´s third president Thomas Jefferson, making the case for the abolition of slavery.

Despite his achievements, Benneker lived in a simple log cabin which he built himself.

Local authorities hope that the replica will help educate future generations about Benneker´s life.

Earlier this week, the authorities of a town in Ontario, Canada announced that residents of public housing would all receive a timber shed for them to store garden items in.

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