Weather history is an exciting topic of research. Here, I present a condensed and edited version of the chronological evolution of meteorological institutions in the United States. The original publication was through a supplement of the United States Weather Bureau Monthly Weather Review from January 1931 written by Eric R. Miller. The complete photo gallery of each image below is available from the United States Weather Bureau Photos page.
1880: General Hazen Takes Over the Signal Service
NOAA Photolibrary
General Hazen became the next chief officer for the Signal Service, but he was later discredited for allegedly embezzling $237,000 dollars. During his administration, other strife existed as the Army became increasingly unhappy that the enlisted men in the Signal Corps could not be pulled away from their duties and the weather.
1883: State Weather Services Soon Absorbed by the Weather Bureau
NOAA Photolibrary, National Weather Service Collection
State Weather Services were organized starting in 1883 by Lieutenant. H. H. C. Dunwoody. In October 1895 control of the State Weather Services passed to the larger United States Weather Bureau formed in 1891.
1891: The United States Weather Bureau Becomes a Civilian Agency
US Army Military History
After General Hazen’s death in 1887, General Greely and President Benjamin Harrison were able to quiet some of the unrest and pushed to have the Signal Corps transferred to the Department of Agriculture on October 1, 1870. On July 1, 1891, all weather instrumentation and staff were transferred from the Signal Corps' to the Department of Agriculture's new civilian Weather Bureau.[
