Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Coston Flare: Revolutionizing Maritime Communication

In 1866, Martha Coston's invention profoundly advanced maritime communication with the widespread adoption of the Coston flare, originally patented in 1859. This innovative signal flare system became standard in naval and shipping industries, allowing ships to communicate effectively at night or in poor visibility. By utilizing colorful flares to convey coded messages, Coston's system played a crucial role in preventing maritime accidents and improving global navigation and safety protocols.