Martha Coston

Revolutionized maritime communication by inventing the Coston flare, a lifesaving nighttime signaling system.

Martha Coston (1826–1904) transformed naval and civilian rescue operations with her invention of the Coston flare, a pyrotechnic signaling device. After finding her late husband’s unfinished designs, she spent a decade refining the flares to create a reliable system using colored lights. Patented in 1859, the Coston flare became standard equipment for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, saving countless lives by enabling ships to send distress signals at night.

Coston’s flares were pivotal during the Civil War, aiding Union blockades and rescue missions. Her work also laid the foundation for modern emergency signaling, influencing technologies like flares and LED distress lights. Despite facing gender barriers, she built a successful company and advocated for women in STEM. Learn more at the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.