Alexander Dallas Bache | |
|---|---|
 A 19th century illustration of Bache and his signature | |
| 6th Superintendent of the United States Coast Survey | |
| In office 1843–1867 | |
| President | |
| Preceded by | Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Peirce |
| 1st President of the National Academy of Sciences | |
| In office 1863–1867 | |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Henry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 19, 1806 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | February 17, 1867 (aged 60) Newport, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Resting place | Congressional Cemetery |
| Spouse | Nancy Clark Fowler |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | US Military Academy |
| Known for | coastal mapping project |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics |
| Institutions | University of Pennsylvania |
Alexander Dallas Bache (July 19, 1806 – February 17, 1867) was an American physicist, scientist, and surveyor who erected coastal fortifications and conducted a detailed survey to map the mideastern United States coastline. Originally an army engineer, he later became Superintendent of the United States Coast Survey, and built it into the foremost scientific institution in the country before the American Civil War.