Alexander Dallas Bache

In his role at superintendent of the U.S. Coast Survey from 1843 through 1861, Alexander Bache played a key role in conducting hydrographic surveys, tidal observations, and current mapping in the course of charting the Texas coastline following the state’s 1845 annexation. In this way, he laid the foundation for our understanding of Texas’ Gulf shores, inlets, and estuaries. Bache was also known to use the Coast Survey’s ample budget and infrastructure to support broader scientific research through collaboration and correspondence with numerous U.S. scientists, such as the botanist/chemist John Torrey and the botanist/physician George Engelmann.