The initial idea for a “Survey of the Coast” undoubtedly was developed at meetings of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia around 1806. U.S. President Thomas Jefferson was the President of the Society at that time and Ferdinand Hassler, a recent immigrant from Switzerland, was a member.

The initial idea for a “Survey of the Coast” undoubtedly was developed at meetings of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia around 1806. U.S. President Thomas Jefferson was the President of the Society at that time and Ferdinand Hassler, a recent immigrant from Switzerland, was a member.