| Summary: | Map showing hydrographic details of Beaufort Harbor. Shackleford Banks and Bogue Island flank the entrance. Fort Macon is denoted on Bogue Island, and the town of Beaufort is denoted on the mainland. Carrot Island, Bird Island Shoal, Shark Shoal, Town Marsh, and Bulkhead Channel are also shown. Ocean floor depths are scattered across the entire survey, as are descriptions of the sand found there. A list of the tides is located at the bottom left, along with sailing directions . A legend describing when the triangulation, hydrography, and topography were done is in the top right. 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.
|
|---|