Martha Jane Coston died at the age of 77. Her death marked the end of the life of a notable inventor and businesswoman who significantly contributed to maritime safety through her invention of the Coston flare.

End of the Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, which started on January 13, 1865. Coston flares played an important role in coordinating naval operations during the battle. The battle was a significant Union victory.

Start of the Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, which lasted until January 15, 1865. Coston flares played an important role in coordinating naval operations during the battle. The battle was a significant Union victory.

The United States Congress passed an act authorizing the U.S. Navy to purchase the patent for the Coston flare for $20,000. This was a crucial moment for Coston, as it led to the widespread adoption of her flares by the Navy during the Civil War. Although the amount was less than she demanded.

Martha Coston was granted U.S. Patent number 23,536 for a pyrotechnic night signal and code system. The patent was granted to her as administratrix for her deceased husband, Benjamin Franklin Coston, who is named as inventor. This patent secured the rights to their night signal invention.

Martha Jane Coston, the inventor of the Coston flare, was born as Martha Hunt in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. She later became a businesswoman and owner of the Coston Manufacturing Company. Her birth marks the beginning of the life of a significant figure in maritime safety.