Charles Henry Davis

Charles Henry Davis (born Jan. 16, 1807, Boston, Mass., U.S.—died Feb. 18, 1877, Washington, D.C.) was a U.S. naval officer and scientist. Davis spent two years at Harvard before becoming a midshipman, and he returned there for the study of mathematics between sea cruises. He made the first comprehensive survey of the coasts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine, including the intricate Nantucket shoals area. He also was a prime mover in establishing the American...