Alexander Dallas Bache, USMA 1825, Graduate #  392

• 19 July 1806 (Philadelphia, PA) --17 February 1867 (Washington, DC)

• 1826-1827: Assistant Professor of Engineering, USMA

• 1828-1836: Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania

• 1836-1840: President of Girard College

• 1841-1842 Superintendent of Philadelphia public schools

• 1842-1843 Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania

• 1843-1863: Superintendent of the United States Coast Survey

• 1863-1867: President, National Academy of Sciences

Bache was the great-grandson of Benjamin Franklin. Bache distinguished himself as a student, serving as a mathematics instructor during his junior year, and teaching chemistry during his senior year.  Upon graduation he was assigned as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering.  Bache was the leader of American science for many years in the 19^th century through his role as Superintendent of the Coast Survey and President of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Created September 2001. Text by Chris Arney.