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.

This lot includes two striking charts depicting St. Andrew's Bay and Cedar Keys along the western edge of Florida. The first chart is from the Depot des Cartes et Plans de la Marine and shows St. Andrew's Bay in intricate detail. The second chart covers the stretch of coastline from Cedar Keys to St. Martins Keys. Each includes soundings and other navigational information.

A. Golfe du Mexique - Cote de la Floride - Baie St. Andre..., by A. Germain, dated 1865 (24.3 x 18.2"). Engraved by Regnier and Dourdet. Condition: There are some edge tears, four of which just enter the neatline at right.

B. Sketch F. No. 4 Reconnoissance of Vicinity of Cedar Keys Coast of Florida, by U.S. Coast Survey, dated 1851 (7.9 x 8.3"). Condition: A nice impression with light toning along the fold at right.

References:

Condition: B+

See description above.