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Image of Hassler's Camp  |  Bate Field Telescope  |  Patten Vernier Compass
Hassler's Pocket Compass  |  Hassler's Slide Rule  |  Drawing Instruments by Butterfield AParis  |  Hassler's Triangulations of Long Island Sound

Hassler's Seals  |  Microscopic Beam Compass  |  "Star" Avoirdupois Pound
Troughton Scale  |  Committee Meter  |  Page from Hassler's Notes

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Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler was appointed the first Superintendent of the Survey of the Coast by President Madison in 1816.

Born in Aarau, Switzerland in 1770, Hassler emigrated to the United States in 1805.

In 1807, he responded to a request made by the American Secretary of the Treasury, Albert Gallatin, for proposals to survey the coast of the United States.

At the time, the primary means of communication and commerce along the Atlantic Coast of the United States was by sea, and an accurate and comprehensive survey was thought necessary to facilitate the Nation's growth and interconnectedness.

His proposal was recognized as superior to other plans submitted by native surveyors.

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Image of Hassler's Camp Bate Field Telescope Patten Vernier Compass Hassler's Pocket Compass Hassler's Slide Rule Drawing Instruments by Butterfield AParis Hassler's Triangulations of Long Island Sound Hassler's Seals Microscopic Beam Compass Star Avoirdupois Pound Troughton Scale Committee Meter Page from Hassler's Notes