Naval Museums in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Surveying the Land & Sea
From Sea to Shining Sea
Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, June 5, 2015
1. Surveying the Land and Sea Marker
President Thomas Jefferson founded the Survey of the Coast in 1807. This federal agency was charged with supporting maritime commerce by providing accurate surveys and nautical charts of our coastal waters. It was dangerous and sometimes deadly work.
As the United States expanded, the bureau took responsibility for surveying the country's interior as well as its coastal waters and in 1878 it was organized as the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS). In 1970, USC&GS became part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This disk is an official NOAA geodetic survey marker. It marks precise measurements of latitude, longitude, and elevation for this exact location. This NOAA Heritage Preservation Partnership Commemorative Marker recognized the significant efforts by Nauticus and the City of Norfolk in preserving and interpreting the heritage of NOAA and its role in the nation's history.
Longitude: 76 degrees 17 minutes 40 seconds (West)
Erected by City of Norfolk.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson
this page online
Location. 36° 50.804′ N, 76° 17.676′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Naval Museums. It can be reached from the intersection of Boush Street (Virginia Route 337) and West Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in a plaza near Nauticus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads, specifically in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Cedar (within shouting distance of this marker); The Apprentice (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Waterfront Revitalization (within shouting distance of this marker); Flood Protection for Downtown Norfolk (within shouting distance of this marker); Half Moone Fort, 1673 (within shouting distance of this marker); Armed Forces Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Armed Forces Memorial (about 400 feet away); Battleship Wisconsin: Berthed in Norfolk, (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
Also see . . .
1. Nauticus. (Submitted on June 12, 2015, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida.)
2. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (Submitted on June 12, 2015.)
3. Coast and Geodetic Survey Heritage
Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, June 5, 2015
2. Surveying the Land and Sea Marker
Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, June 5, 2015
3. Nauticus
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2015, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. This page has been viewed 634 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on June 23, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 12, 2015, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
