2701 This uncommon and highly significant chart is one of the first U.S. Coast Survey charts to depict the completion of the survey of the shoals off Nantucket. Though the unpredictable waters off Nantucket were long a nemesis to sailing vessels on the important London-New York shipping routes, they had never been properly charted. The harsh conditions, including rapid unexpected swells and frequent fog, contrived to make the hydrographic survey of the hazards south of Nantucket one of the most dangerous and challenging projects of the early coast survey. The first survey party to tackle this problem was led by the indomitable Lieutenant Charles H. Davis. Starting at Old South Shoal, a known danger, Davis worked his way southward and soon discovered “New South Shoals” which was later renamed “Davis Shoal” in his honor. Working seasonally, it took the Coast Survey until 1853, fully seven years, to complete the survey of the Old South Shoal and Davis Shoal.

In near flawless condition, original issue fold marks else very good to excellent. Hand colored. 13 inches x 15 inches. Unframed.

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