Bache's Geodetic Survey Baseline on Edisto Island, SC

May 12, 2016

Maryellen Sault, NGS

Professor Alexander Dallas Bache, the second superintendent of the U.S. Coast Survey, established a highly accurate survey baseline on Edisto Island, South Carolina in January 1850. Although it only took 13 days to establish the survey baseline, Bache’s work would have a lasting impact on the safety and economic vitality of the entire region. Today, the baseline starts at Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area and ends at Edisto Beach State Park. This presentation will discuss the geodetic survey baseline on Edisto Island in 1850, the role it played on navigation and charting and the current preservation efforts at the east base monument.

This presentation was given as part of the monthly NGS Webinar series.