United States Coast Survey renamed Coast and Geodetic Survey

Background. The agency began as the Survey of the Coast in 1807, becoming the United States Coast Survey in 1836. It was the first scientific agency of the United States government. In 1871, it gained additional responsibility for surveying the interior of the United States, making geodesy a more important part of its work.

Significance. The renaming to the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey signified the agency's broadened scope beyond coastal mapping. The inclusion of geodesy in its name acknowledged the importance of interior surveying work that had become central to its operations following the 1871 expansion of responsibilities.