Alexander Dallas Bache

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 byFerdinand Rudolph Hassler
Succeeded byBenjamin Peirce
1st President of the National Academy of Sciences
In office
1863–1867
Succeeded byJoseph Henry
Personal details
Born(1806-07-19)July 19, 1806
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedFebruary 17, 1867(1867-02-17) (aged 60)
Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.
Resting placeCongressional Cemetery
SpouseNancy Clark Fowler
Children1
Alma materUS Military Academy
Known forcoastal mapping project
Scientific career
FieldsPhysics
InstitutionsUniversity 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.