The United States Light-House Board - 1860

Lighthouses and other navigational aides to assist ships in the aters of the United States first came under Federal jurisdiction in 1789, in the earliest days of our nation. By 1852, America's emergence as a major seafaring nation, coupled with the growth of the system and new technologies, dictated the need for stronger, more scientifically-based planning, construction, and operation of these lights and aides. Following several earlier evaluations of the prior system of administration, Congressional legislation in 1851 created a committee to conduct a thorough review of all aspects of the Lighthouse Establishment as supervised by Fifth Auditor of the Treasury Stephen Pleasonton. The report submitted by this group led to major changes, including the continuance of the evaluation committee as a permanent "Light-House Board" composed of military engineers and civilian scientists, to oversee the nation's maritime aides.