The Office of Coast Survey is the oldest U.S. scientific organization, dating from 1807 when Congress directed that a "survey of the coast" be carried out. By 1836, it was called the U.S. Coast Survey and in 1878, the name was changed to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Today the Office of Coast Survey is a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA.

The survey teams, composed of civilians as well as Army and Naval officers, charted the nation's waterways and produced a wide array of reports, survey charts, hydrographic studies of tides and currents, astronomical studies and observations, and coastal pilots. These charts are an important record of the changing nature of the nation's coastlines. In additional to coastal charts, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey produced land sketches, Civil War battle maps, and the early aeronautical charts.

A. Reconnaissance of the Western Coast of the United States from San Francisco to San Diego..., dated 1853 (22.6 x 22.2"). This terrific chart delineates the coast and is from the first official scientific reconnaissance of the Pacific coastal areas. It is one of three prepared by Lieutenant James Alden for this important survey. This sheet covers the region from the Mexican boundary to Point Reyes. It outlines the coastal littoral, shows dangerous reefs and shoals, gives offshore bathymetric soundings, plus general and specific harbor sailing instructions. The most impressive feature is the 17 views of entrances and promontories along this rugged coastline - among them Santa Barbara, Catalina Harbor, and the entrance to San Francisco Bay. The map was drawn by W.M. McMurtie and engraved by G. McCoy. Engraving of the views is also by McCoy with S.V. Hunt. This is one of the finest Coast Survey charts produced, and should not be confused with the simpler, and slightly smaller, charts that do not feature the large number of coastal views. Reference: Heckrotte & Sweetkind #33. Condition: A clean and bright example with light toning along the top edge of the sheet and a binding trim at bottom left. (A)

B. Upper Part of San Francisco Bay California from a Trigonometrical Survey..., dated 1862 (35.3 x 26.5"). Although titled "Upper Part of San Francisco Bay," this detailed chart depicts the southern portion of the bay from San Jose north to approximately Candlestick Point on the west bay and the present-day location of Oakland Airport on the east bay. The chart is filled with soundings and other navigational detail. Some early place names also appear, including Redwood City and Union City. Condition: There are short separations at the fold intersections, binding trims at left, and light toning along several folds. (B+)

C. Preliminary Chart of the Pacific Coast from Point Pinos to Bodega Head California from a Trigonometrical Survey..., dated 1865 (27.9 x 38.7"). This chart outlines the coast from Bodega Bay in the north to Monterey Bay in the south, including the San Francisco Bay. The chart is filled with soundings, sunken rocks, and the material found along the sea bottom. Condition: Minor toning along the folds with several spots of foxing and binding trims at left with some loss of neatline. (B)

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Condition:

Issued folding. See description for additional details.