Matthew Maury - Pathfinder of the Seas

With Nancy J. Farrier

Have you ever wondered how scientists discovered the ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream Current? Who first figured out there were even currents to map out? The answer to those questions would be Matthew Fontaine Maury: oceanographer, astronomer, historian, cartographer, meteorologist and geologist.

Maury was born in 1806 in Virginia, but his family moved to Tennessee when he was five-years-old. He longed to grow up and join the Navy like his older brother. In 1825, he did join the Navy and went to sea. He was fascinated with studying the seas and the ways of navigation on the seas. He also wrote down his findings and published book about navigation.

Memorial at Goshen Pass

The main focus of his life work happened when he was in bed, unable to get up. I am not positive if he’d been injured or was ill near to the point of death, but either way he was bedridden. One of his children would read the Bible to him every day, and one day began to read Psalm 8 to him.

Maury was struck by the words in Psalm 8:8 – “The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.” He had this verse read to him over and over as he pondered the idea of “the paths of the seas.” At last he said, “If God says there are paths to the sea I am going to find them if I get our of this bed.”

He recovered, and with the inspiration of the Psalm, began his intense study of the seas and the patterns of their movement. He is considered the father of oceanography. He charted the currents and helped shippers understand the ways of the ocean so they were more successful at crossing the oceans.

Naval Observatory, Washington D.C.

In 1842, he became the superintendent of the Navy’s Depot of charts. There he had access to ships logs, charts and various instruments used in navigation. Later at his behest the Depot of Charts became the United States Naval Observatory. He used his knowledge of meteorology to assist in mapping the ocean currents.

In 1847 he published the Wind and Current Charts of the North Atlantic. Then in 1851 his book, Explanations and Sailing Directions to Accompany the Wind and Current Charts

came out. His most famous book, The Physical Geography of the Sea came out in 1855. These books were used to develop more charts to assist the sailors as they used the various trade routes.

Monument in Richmond, VA

Maury went on to write many more books. He became a professor of meteorology at the Virginia Military Institute. He did many lecture tours and received honors from all over the world. Maury Hall at the Naval Academy was named for him. Monuments were created to honor him. He is named “Pathfinder of the Seas” and the “Father of Modern Oceanography.”

Throughout all his work, and in his books, Maury always gave credit to the Bible and believed God had given us guidance through this great book. He gave credit to the Bible for the vision he had that was ahead of his time. He even mapped out places where cables could be strung across the ocean, an advanced idea for his time period.

Maury died in 1873 after he took ill during an intense lecture tour. His work continues on and has benefited all of us.

Have you ever heard of Matthew Maury? Have you seen charts of the ocean currents or heard them referenced during weather reports? This is a fascinating idea and I loved that his inspiration came from listening to the Bible being read aloud at a time when he was unable to get up.

Nancy J Farrier is an award winning author who lives in Southern California in the Mojave Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. Nancy and her husband have five children and two grandsons. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats, and spend time with her family. Nancy is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Literary Agency. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.