The U.S. Coast Surveys first nautical chart of Boston Harbor was published in 1857. The original chart was based on the first truly scientific and comprehensive surveys of the entire harbor. These included elaborate triangulation surveys, which provided accurate geodetic positions, as well as separate topographic and hydrographic surveys. This particular edition was updated with corrections and additions accurate to 1863.

The Office of Coast Survey, as it is known today, is the oldest U.S. scientific organization, dating from 1807 when the U. S. Congress directed that a "survey of the coast" be carried out.