# United States Survey of the Coast

> former U.S. agency responsible for providing accurate charts of the coastlines of the United States (1807 - 1836)

**Wikidata**: [Q103445699](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q103445699)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/united-states-survey-of-the-coast

## Summary
The United States Survey of the Coast was a former U.S. government agency established in 1807, responsible for creating accurate charts of the nation's coastlines. Founded by Thomas Jefferson, it played a crucial role in maritime navigation before being replaced by the United States Coast Survey in 1836.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 1807
- **Founded by**: Thomas Jefferson
- **Country**: United States
- **Class**: Government agency
- **Primary function**: Providing accurate charts of U.S. coastlines
- **Replaced by**: United States Coast Survey (1836)
- **Aliases**: Survey of the Coast of the United States
- **Instance of**: Government agency (responsible for specific public services)

## FAQs
**What was the United States Survey of the Coast responsible for?**
The agency was tasked with creating precise nautical charts to aid maritime navigation along the U.S. coastline.

**Who founded the United States Survey of the Coast?**
Thomas Jefferson established the agency in 1807.

**When was the United States Survey of the Coast replaced?**
It was succeeded by the United States Coast Survey in 1836.

**What type of organization was the United States Survey of the Coast?**
It was a government agency responsible for specific public services, specifically maritime charting.

## Why It Matters
The United States Survey of the Coast was pivotal in advancing maritime navigation by producing detailed coastal charts. Its work laid the foundation for future U.S. maritime surveys, ensuring safer and more efficient travel along the nation's waterways. The agency's efforts contributed to the broader development of coastal infrastructure and trade.

## Notable For
- **Precise coastal charting**: Produced accurate nautical maps essential for navigation.
- **Early maritime mapping**: Set standards for U.S. coastal surveys before being succeeded by the Coast Survey.
- **Government agency innovation**: Demonstrated the importance of scientific surveying in public service.

## Body
### History
The United States Survey of the Coast was established in 1807 by Thomas Jefferson, shortly after the Louisiana Purchase. Its primary mission was to map the newly acquired coastal regions to support navigation and trade. The agency operated until 1836, when it was replaced by the United States Coast Survey, which continued its work with expanded responsibilities.

### Organization
As a government agency, the United States Survey of the Coast was part of the U.S. federal government, tasked with providing public services. Its focus was exclusively on maritime charting, distinguishing it from broader surveying agencies of the time.

### Legacy
The agency's charts were instrumental in the early development of U.S. coastal infrastructure, including ports and harbors. Its work influenced later maritime surveys, ensuring continued accuracy in navigation. The transition to the United States Coast Survey in 1836 marked a continuation of its mission with enhanced capabilities.