 During the 1850s and again after his participation in the American Civil War , Raynolds was the head engineer on numerous lighthouse construction projects . He oversaw riverway and harbor dredging projects intended to improve accessibility and navigation for shipping . As a cartographer , Raynolds surveyed and mapped the islands and shorelines on the Great Lakes and other regions . At least six lighthouses whose construction he oversaw are still standing . Some are still in use and of these , several are listed on the National Register of Historic Places . 
