The Inventions of Martha Coston: Signal Flares That Save Sailors’ Lives

At a time when women seemed to do little more than keep house and raise families, Martha Coston was busy saving lives by perfecting the night signal flare. Coston’s signal flare was an important tool for the Union army during the Civil War. Compelling text, photographs, and patent drawings show readers how this young woman went from widower to inventor, businessperson, and author.