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 impressive 3-sheet set of charts shows the span of the Hudson River in New York from Manhattan to just south of the city of Hudson. There are numerous soundings and bottom types identified in the river, with keys on each sheet to help interpret the information. Another key provides in-depth data on the tides. Numerous locations are named along the river, including Yonkers, West Point, Newburgh, and Poughkeepsie. A few lighthouses are also noted. Each sheet stands on its own with full borders, title, and keys; each sheet is backed in linen. Size is for each sheet; if fully joined the chart would measure nearly 10 feet long.

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Condition:

The first two sheets are in very good condition (B+) with light soiling and a few minor tears and chips that were repaired when the sheets were backed in linen. The third sheet is in good condition (B) with moderate soiling and toning and a 7" tear at bottom that was also repaired when the sheet was backed in linen.