| Summary: | Map showing hydrographic details of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Cape Henry, Cape Charles, Smith Island, and Fishermans Island flank the entrance. Ocean floor depths are scattered across the entire survey, as are descriptions of the sand found there. Locations of lighthouses are denoted. A list of the tides is located in the top right, and sailing directions in the top left. A legend describing the abbreviations is in the bottom left. The United States Coast Survey can trace its roots to an act signed into law by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807 to generate maritime charts for the newly formed nation. Ferdinand Hassler was selected as the first superintendent in 1816 and served until the jurisdiction of the survey was moved under the control of the Army in 1818. He was reappointed superintendent by President Andrew Jackson in 1832 with the department once again under civilian control. The Coast Survey created nautical charts, performed hydrographic surveys, as well as executed the first studies of the Gulf Stream. Known as the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey beginning in 1878, the department provided much needed work for engineers during the Great Depression and helped create maps and charts for the Allies in World War II. In 1970, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was formed and was given control over the agency.
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