Oceanography discoveries

  • First Chart of the Gulf Stream

    Although it was first observed by Ponce de Leon, Benjamin Franklin first charted the Gulf Stream. (trade, navigation, and recreation)
  • U.S Coast Survey

    President Thomas Jefferson signs a bill authorizing the United States Coast Survey. (scientific research)
  • First U.S Navy Submarine

    The USS Alligator is the first known U.S Navy submarine. It was active during the American Civil War. (military)
  • Proof of Deep Sea Life

    Louis F. de Pourtales conducts an operation of the southern coast of Florida and finds prolific life below 550 meters. (scientific research)
  • Early Marine Survey of the Americas

    Louis Agassiz goes on a biological survey of the U.S starting on the east coast and ending on the west coast. More than 30,000 specimens of marine life are collected and cataloged. (scientific research)
  • Voyage of the H.M.S. Challenger

    Inspired by Charles Darwin, the H.M.S. Challenger sails from Portsmouth, England and begins a four-year around the world. Lots of research is collected which forms the basis of modern oceanography. (scientific research and navigation)
  • First Anthropomorphic Atmospheric Diving Suit

    The Carmagnolle brothers of Marseilles, France design and build the first anthropomorphic atmospheric diving suit. (scientific research and recreation)
  • First Deep Anchoring Techniques

    The Coast and Geodetic Survey Steamer Blake, under Commander John Elliott Pillsbury, pioneers deep-ocean anchoring techniques during Gulf Stream studies. (military)
  • First Modern Electric Submarine

    The French Navy launches the submersible Gymnote. It is the first electrically powered and fully functional military submarine. (military)
  • Mapping the Ocean Floor

    The German vessel Meteor sails around the Atlantic Ocean taking detailed measurements of the ocean floor using echo sounding equipment. (scientific research)