noaa NATIONAL OCEANIC AND

ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR-224

CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING OF TROPICAL CYCLONES

AFFECTING NORTH FLORIDA AND COASTAL GEORGIA

1565-1899

 

Al Sandrik

WFO Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

Chris Landsea

NOAA/Hurricane Research Division

Miami, Florida

Scientific Services Division

Southern Region

Fort Worth, Texas

May 2003

National Weather

Service
Chronological Listing of Tropical Cyclones affecting North Florida and Coastal Georgia

1565-1899

Al Sandrik

WFO Jacksonville

Christopher W. Landsea

NOAA/Hurricane Research Division

Introduction

This chronology is a portion of an ongoing re-analysis project for tropical cyclone events along the

Georgia and northeast Florida coasts, including inland north Florida and southeast Georgia. The

domain for this study ranges from Savannah, Georgia in the north to Flagler Beach, Florida in the

south, the adjacent coastal waters, the inland cities (and their surrounding areas) of Palatka,

Gainesville, and Lake City in Florida and Waycross, Georgia.

The number of hurricanes and principle areas affected after 1900 are considered to be fairly

accurate, but are the subject of a reevaluation by the Hurricane Research Division (HRD) in Miami,

Florida (Landsea et al, 1999, 2003). The intention of this study is to accurately extend the historical

hurricane landfall data base for the study area back as far as possible, but at a minimum to 1800.

Methodology

Several listings of tropical cyclone landfall events have been complied by various authors over time.

These listings were the first sources consulted for the timing of potential landfalls affecting the reanalysis area. For the purposes of this study, these first source commentators are collectively

referred to as the “Primary Commentators” (see definitions for details) in the body of the

chronology. All events listed by at least one of these commentators are addressed, even if no

verification of the listed event can be authenticated. The reasoning behind this is to make the

chronology as complete as possible and to give future studies a complete listing and evaluation of

all possible events.

Next, area historical societies, historical sites and libraries were visited in a search for journals,

diaries, clippings and other documents which could be useful in ascertaining possible tropical

cyclone events which are not currently listed in the meteorological record. Listings of shipwrecks

were also consulted for possible ship losses associated with tropical cyclone events. Newspapers

from the study area were also searched for references to events which could be tropical cyclone

events.

Finally, all events listed in the Hurricane Database (HURDAT), maintained by the National

Hurricane Center, which may have affected the study area (Fig. 1) are addressed.

A summary of the author’s evaluation of the storm is included.
2

Intensity and background information

It is very difficult to assess the information on many hurricanes prior to the 1880s due to the sparse

population base. It may be assumed that the most extreme early nineteenth century events (1804,

1824, 1854) have become a part of the local historical record and that information is fairly accurate.

A few events which may have been significant or major storms (e.g. 1806, 1813, 1837, 1896, 1898)

may have been lost from the record due to difficulties in finding and translating the original Spanish

documents and the aforementioned sparse coastal population. In a few cases it is possible to

estimate the intensity of nineteenth century storms based on tidal information (1896, 1898, Sandrik

and Jarvinen 1999, Sandrik et al 2000); however, if such information is not available it becomes

necessary to utilize damage reports. Prior to the nineteenth century, it is difficult to access damage,

as construction techniques are too varied and too few structures survive for comparison with

modern structures. Therefore no assessment of hurricane intensity will be attempted prior to 1800.

As noted above, the coastal areas between St. Augustine and Amelia Island were sparsely

populated, and it is difficult to obtain reliable information from that region. Additionally the

documents which are available and predate 1821 (for the most part) must be translated from the

original Spanish documents. Furthermore, almost continuous conflict from the late eighteenth

century through 1840 (e.g. War of 1812, East Florida Patriot’s Rebellion, Seminole Wars), resulted

in the migration of settlers from that area. The islands of the Georgia coast tended to be more

heavily populated and had amore stable population base primarily comprised of gentlemen planters.

Therefore, more reliable information is available in those locations. Overall the population of this

area was more stable and experienced earlier settlement than other portions of Florida. This is

particular true with respect to southern portions of the state, in the vicinity of present day Miami,

Fort Myers and Naples, which were very sparely populated into the late nineteenth century.

During the study period, references to the city of Jacksonville generally apply to the area within

several miles of the present day downtown. Other areas, which are considered to be a part of

“modern Jacksonville,” are not treated as such by both period press reports or early historians

(Davis, T. Frederick, 1925). It must be understood that the city of Jacksonville, as it existed prior

to the twentieth century, was an inland city approximately fifteen miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

Additionally, other than a few small settlements, most of the beach areas were not settled until the

1880s, and those that were settled earlier were generally located on relatively high terrain.

The information pertaining to weaker storms may not be as reliable. It is possible that some of the

early events may not have occurred on the dates listed, or may not have been at hurricane intensity

at landfall. However, this is believed to be a good record from the nineteenth century onward and

that all hurricane events since 1800 have been archived within.

Figure 2 indicates all Northeast Florida hurricane events from 1565 through 1899. Figure 3

indicates all hurricanes for Lower Georgia during the period 1565 through 1899. Figure 4 indicates

all hurricanes for the Upper Georgia coast from 1565 through 1899. Figure 5 indicates all

hurricanes for coastal Georgia from 1565 through 1899. The sparseness of hurricane occurrences

before the 1790s (none at all before the 1750s for Georgia) is an artifact of the lack of settlements

along the coast primarily. Figure 6 indicates all major hurricanes in Northeast Florida and coastal
3

Georgia 1565 trough 1899. Most notable from this figure is a relatively even spacing with respect

to major hurricane events during the early decades of the Nineteenth century with a sharp increase

in Major events during the 1890s followed by a absence of major events during the subsequent

century. This later period is also associated with significant population growth in the study area and

a low experience level with major hurricane events (Jarrell et. al. 1992). 

Dates

This work spans two distinct calendar systems, the old style Julian Calendar and the modern

Gregorian Calender. Spain converted to the new system in 1582; however, there was some delay

in the transition in the West Indies and it is possible the old calendar may have been in use in

portions of the Indies through 1584. In the English world the transition between these calendar

systems occurred on 2 September 1752, when eleven days were skipped to bring the calendar into

astronomical alignment, and the next day was designated 14 September 1752. The dates of the

events have been corrected to the modern calendar; however, due to the historical nature of the

source material, the dates have not been modified in historical quotations. To avoid confusion the

old Julian dates have been placed in parenthesis next to the modern dates where possible. For

example; “Date(s): 24 Sept (14 Sept - Julian).”

Definitions

Tropical Cyclone: A generic term for a non-frontal synoptic scale cyclone originating over tropical

or subtropical waters with organized convection and a definite cyclonic surface wind circulation.

It is recognized that some of the events described in this document may not be of tropical origin and

a note is made if a case is too subjective, or insubstantial, to be classified as a tropical cyclone.

Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum 1-minute sustained 10 meter wind

is 33 knots (38 mph) or less.

Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum one minute 10 meter wind speed

ranges from 34 knots (39 mph) to 63 knots (73 mph). When dealing with narrative descriptions of

historical events this determination must be somewhat subjective and for the purposes of this study

it will be any storm causing minor disruption or damage either through wind action or storm surge.

Hurricane: A hurricane is defined as a tropical cyclone in which the maximum one minute

sustained 10 meter wind speed is 64 knots (74 mph) or greater. Based on the modern day SaffirSimpson Hurricane Intensity Scale, this definition would describe any storm of Category One or

greater intensity (see Major Hurricane). When dealing with narrative descriptions of historical

events this determination must be somewhat subjective and for the purposes of this study it will be

any storm causing significant, but not devastating, damage through either wind action or storm

surge. 
4

Major hurricane: A major hurricane is defined as a tropical cyclone in which the maximum one

minute sustained 10 meter wind speed is 96 knots (111 mph) or greater. Based on the modern day

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane IntensityScale, this definition would describe any storm of category three

or greater intensity. When dealing with narrative descriptions of historical events this determination

must be somewhat subjective. For the purposes of this study it will be any storm causing

devastating damage through either wind action or storm surge. Some authors will use the

terminology of “Extreme” to describe the worst of these events. This study will refrain from using

that terminology, excepting were previous studies have done so, and then only to refer to those

works.

Nao: A nao is a Spanish cargo vessel ranging from 300 to 600 tons, though by the late seventeenth

century they reached 1,200 tons. They were armed with 10 to 12 cannon and had three to four

masts.

Urca: A type of cargo vessel, although many were used as warships. Originally intended to be used

in shallow water and the interior consisted of large empty spaces without partitions. Many carried

treasure from the New World to Spain. 

Flotas: A Spanish convoy system designed to protect the treasure fleets. Two Flotas, or fleets,

departed Spain each year, the Nueva Espana and Terra Firme fleets. Both fleets met in Havana and

attempted to depart that city together before 20 August. Several Flotas encountered hurricanes and

many vessels were sunk along the Florida coast.

Upper Georgia: The area north of the Altamaha River (31.4N) to the Georgia-South Carolina State

Line (Fig. 1).

Lower Georgia: The area south of the Altamaha River to the Georgia-Florida State Line (Fig. 1).

Northeast Florida: The area from Flagler Beach (29.5N) north to the Florida-Georgia State Line

and west to the Suwannee River (Fig. 1).

Coastal Waters: Those waters adjacent to the coastline and out to 50 nautical miles. They are

broken down into Upper Georgia, Lower Georgia and Northeast Florida, using the same coastal

landmarks as indicated above.

Interior Region: When clear proof of a tropical cyclone impact on the interior portion of the study

area can be ascertained it will be indicated as interior Northeast Florida and/or interior Southeast

Georgia (Fig. 1).

Primary Commentators: These are individuals who either on a national or local basis have

tracked historical hurricane activity used in this study. In many cases they have built their listings

and commentary on accounts chronicled by previous commentators (i.e; Poey). More specifically

they are:
5

Horace S. Carter, Georgia Tropical Cyclones and Their Effect on the State, ESSA Tech Memo

EDSTM 14

T. Frederick Davis, Climate of Jacksonville, Florida

Gordon E. Dunn and Banner I. Miller, Atlantic Hurricanes

David M. Ludlum, Early American Hurricanes 1492-1870

Frances P. Ho, Extreme Hurricanes in the Nineteenth Century, NOAA-TM-NWS-Hydro-43

Jose Carlos Millas, Hurricanes of the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions, 1492-1800.

Jose Fernandez-Partagas and Henry F. Diaz, A Reconstruction of Historical Tropical Cyclone

Frequency in the Atlantic from Documentary and Other Historical Sources, Volumes I-IV.

Arnold Sugg, Leonard Pardue and Robert Carrodus, Memorable Hurricanes of the United States

Since 1873.

Edward Rappaport and Jose Fernandez-Partagas, The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-

1994.

Chronology

Year: 1565

Date(s): 20, 22 or 23 (10, 12 or 13) September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida (St. Augustine, Matanzas Inlet, Mosquito Inlet) -

 hurricane 

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore storm.

Remarks: A well known hurricane, documented by all commentators.

Sank Jean Ribault’s fleet. Led to the fall of Fort Caroline and the loss of French influence in

northeast Florida. During September of 1565 both the Spanish, in St. Augustine, under Menendez,

and the French, at Fort Caroline, under Ribault, were attempting to eliminate each others position

in the New World. Ribault, ignoring the advice of his second in command, sailed into a building

hurricane, which dashed his ships ashore between present day Matanzas Inlet and Cape Canaveral.

Most likely a minimal hurricane. Millas quotes the diary of the army chaplain Francisco Lopez de

Mendoza Grajales, “...a hurricane and a tempest came, and it was so great that they surely must have

been lost. (He refers to several French vessels).”1 This hurricane is referred to as "San Mateo" by

the Spanish. The French survivors were later massacred in the dunes near Matanzas Inlet (which

is loosely translated as slaughter) and Fort Caroline was captured by the Spanish, thus securing

north Florida for Spanish rule.

Summary:This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast Florida

coastal waters.
6

Year: 1566

Date(s): 13-14 (3-4) September, possible loop on 16 (6) September

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore storm.

Remarks: This is a previously undocumented event, and is believed to be new to the

meteorological record.

Descriptions are taken from the Spanish accounts of the Jesuit expedition under Padre Pedro

Martinez to Santa Helena (or Santa Elena, near present day Paris Island, SC) and held in the Stetson

collection at the St. Augustine Historical Society.

“A hurricane which arose on the 3rd of September, and lasted 12 hours, put them in such danger that

they confessed all who understood Castilian, until when, the sea subsiding, they could sail toward

the coast.”2 “On 4 September at noon, the weather cleared. It took two days for the urca to regain

the sight of land. The pilot thought that a large bay that he spotted was near Santa Elena, so he

moved closer to shore. That night, another storm struck which carried the ship so far out to sea that

it required four days to return to the coast.”3 It seems unlikely that two separate hurricanes could

impact the expedition in so short a period of time or that they would survive two direct encounters

with the same storm. It seems the second storm they encountered caused a prolonged period of

westerly winds and may have been associated with a frontal passage. The first certainly may have

been the fringes of a hurricane passing along the southeastern coast.

Summary: Will be counted as an offshore hurricane on the 13-14 (3-4) of September, for the

northeast Florida and upper/lower Georgia coastal waters.

Year 1566

Date(s) 24-26 (14-16) September

Principle Affected Area(s) Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s) Unknown, likely an offshore storm.

Remarks: Listed by all of the primary commentators.

The second and likely more severe hurricane of 1566 was encountered by the Jesuit Expedition on

the 26th (16th) of September. Father Martinez disembarked for the beach on the 24th (14th) of

September and could not be relocated by the crew of the urca. “Those on the Urca were not a little

worried, for the boat of explorers had set out after mid-day on the 14th of September and yet at

nightfall it had not returned, they fired a shot to advise them, and beside, before the menace of a

tempest, the pilot had decided to find a harbor. He cast off at midnight and they were driven to

Cape Canaveral (28 deg. 30 min) running into an entrance where it was very difficult for them to

come out, because of a contrary wind and the current of the sea.”4 The Urca was sighted off the

port of St. Augustine but it did not recognize the port. Certainly this event affected the coastal

waters from northeast Florida to South Carolina.

Summary: This event will be counted as an offshore hurricane for the 24-26 (modern calender)

September 1566 for the northeast Florida and Georgia coastal waters.
7

Year: 1571

Date(s): Unknown, September or October (?)

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

 Northeast Florida coastal waters. - hurricane 

Landfall Point(s): Near St. Augustine

Remarks: Listed by Rappaport and Partagas (storm #272)

Two accounts (Marx, 1994) of several ships wrecked by a storm in 1571 or 1572. Survivors walked

“30 leagues”5 to the fort at St. Augustine with many of them massacred by Indians along the way.

The accounts are so similar that they most likely represent the same event, and indeed, looking at

translations of the original Spanish documents, that appears to be the case. A league is variously

described as ranging between 2.4 and 4.6 statute miles, therefore the wrecks may have occurred

anywhere from 70 to 140 statute miles (rounded off ) from St. Augustine, and would appear to be

outside this study area. A letter held by the St. Augustine Historical Society, places the year in

1571. Late in that year St. Augustine had witnessed a catastrophe; “The sea had risen because of

the wind, flooding the store houses and Dwellings’ and forcing the inhabitants to sustain themselves

‘on herbs and roots.’”6

Summary: This hurricane likely made landfall in the vicinity of St. Augustine and will be counted

as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast Florida coastal waters.

Year: 1579

Date(s): September or October (?)

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore storm, if it existed.

Remarks: The principle modern commentators (Carter, Dunn and Miller, Ludlum, Millas,

Rappaport and Partagas or Tannehill) make no mention or listing of this event.

Marx (1994) reports, Don Antonio Martinez Carvajal wrote to the King from Havana on November

13 (3), 1579, stating that “we set out for St. Augustine and by reason of a tempest one of the two

frigates we had was lost...the General and the rest of the people were saved from the wreck of said

frigate, whence he went by land to the fort of St. Augustine.”7 A powerful Indian tribe, the Ais,

generally killed shipwreck survivors along the central Florida coast so it seems likely the wreck

occurred fairly close to St. Augustine for the crew to survive the walk back to that city. See the

“1571 or 1572" listing above.

Summary: As the date, location and characteristics of this event can not be ascertained it will not

be listed as a tropical cyclone but is added to the list for historical completeness.

Year: 1589

Date(s): Mid-Sept.

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event.
8

Remarks: Listed by Rappaport and Partagas (storm #276) . 

Marx (1994) reports, “...the Armada and the Flota de Tierra Firme and Flota de Nueva Espana met

in Havana, forming a convoy of about 100 ships, and sailed from Havana on September 9. Soon

after entering the Bahama Channel the convoy was struck by a hurricane... ...While running up the

Bahama Channel before the hurricane, three merchant naos also sank in 30 fathoms of water in

about 30 degrees of latitude.”8 No reports of damage on land have been discovered.

Summary: As this latitude coincides with northeast Florida and the 30 fathom line is relatively

close to shore, this event will be counted as an offshore hurricane for the northeast Florida coastal

waters.

Year:1591

Date(s): August 10, Possibly several events

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event.

Remarks: Marx (1994) reports, “A Spanish fleet of 75 ships left Havana after spending the winter

there... ...After the convoy, consisting of ships from Mexico and South America, left Havana on

July 27, it was beset by many storms and no less than 29 vessels were lost, many off the coast of

Florida.”9 There is no way to prove that these storms effected the northeast Florida area, but given

the scope of the event it seems to be a reasonable conclusion that some effects may have occurred

there.

1591 appears to have been an active year, Ludlum and Tannehill lists four storms between midAugust and mid-Sept. and Ludlum reports a landfall near Roanoke Island, NC on August 26th (16th).

Millas lists no Caribbean storms suggesting the activity was confined to storms recurving around

the mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Summary: Given the evidence it seems likely that one or several hurricanes passed through the

offshore waters this year. Since definitive proof of this event cannot be found, it will not be counted,

but is added for historical completeness. 

Year: 1599

Date(s): 22 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near St. Augustine
9

Remarks: This is a previously undocumented event, and is believed to be new to the

meteorological record.

This hurricane likely made landfall near and to the south of St. Augustine as the sea rose into the

city. A letter, from Alonso de las Alas to the Crown (Spanish) on 12 Jan 1600 states, “On

September 22 of the past year 1599 the tide came in with such a fury that the town was entirely

flooded and many houses were knocked down, among them the guard-house and part of the storehouse; whereby a quantity of your Majesty’s supplies was destroyed, also a part of the fort, as the

waves swept way the wall and caballeros on the sea front; the said fort being made of wood, sand

and flour sacks, its foundation not being strong enough to build it of stone...”10

Verne E. Chatelain, in his book, The Defenses of Spanish Florida, wrote, “However, when, on

September 22, 1599, a great tidal storm and flood occurred, demolishing many homes, together with

the guardhouse and storehouse of San Marcos, and carrying away also a portion of the walls of the

fort...”11

“...A sheltering island in the harbor disappeared and most of the Indians of a nearby village were

drowned. The sandbar shifted to make the inlet even more shallow. Until the time of modern

dredging the harbor would be closed to any ship over a hundred tons...”12

Summary: As the fort was of wooden construction and most of the era houses were of wood frame

construction, it is impossible to determine the intensity of this event and it will be counted as a

hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast Florida coastal waters. 

Year: 1638

Date(s): Unknown, Prior to 12 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near St. Augustine

Remarks: This is a previously undocumented event, and is believed to be new to the

meteorological record.

Based on a letter from Governor Luis de Herruytiner to the Crown (Spanish), Stetson collection

AGI 54-5-10/5- 12 Sept.1638. “Worst storm in 30 years.”13 Two hurricanes could be candidates

for this event, an August 13th event which swept New England or an August 15th storm which struck

St. Christopher Island in the Caribbean

Summary: Will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast Florida coastal

waters.

Year: 1641

Date(s): 27 Sept

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event.
10

Remarks: Rappaport and Partagas (Storm #294)

Marx (1994) reports, “A convoy consisting of the Nueva Espana Flota, commanded by CaptainGeneral Juan de Campos and the Armada de Barlovento (a squadron used for protecting returning

flotas during time of war), was struck by a hurricane on September 27 in the latitude of 30 degrees

north and five ships of the Flota were wrecked on the coast of Florida. Four of the five ships were

merchant naos, and there were no survivors... ...Other ships in this same convoy were in such bad

condition that they sank on the high seas.”14 Millas identifies a storm on 24 September (plus or

minus one day) in the Florida Straits and the Bahamas and apparently this is the same storm passing

northeast Florida.

Summary: The beaching and total loss of the naos indicate that strong surf and high winds were

occurring along the northeast Florida coast, however, no documents have been uncovered which

indicate damage to the city of St. Augustine. Therefore it would appear that St Augustine was on

the weaker western side of the circulation. This event will be counted as a hurricane for the

northeast Florida coastal waters and a tropical storm for northeast Florida.

Year: 1674

Date(s): On, or about, 19 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near St. Augustine

Remarks: This is a previously undocumented event, and is believed to be new to the

meteorological record.

Known as “The Great Storm of 1674 dealt a serious blow to the town and the old fort when the

waves pounding at the rotting walls, brought the guns crashing down."15 A letter from the Sergeant

Major and Royal Officials to the Crown (Spanish) on 15 October 1674 note that Arch Bishop

Calderon arrived from Havana four days after a severe hurricane and “A hurricane hit the coast

uniting the sea with the city, ruining half of the houses and flooding the streets and ruining the

crops.”16 Arch-Bishop Calderon arrived in St. Augustine on 23 August 1674.

Summary: Will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast Florida coastal

waters.

Year: 1707

Date(s): 30 Sept

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near St. Augustine 

Remarks: This is a previously undocumented event, and is believed to be new to the

meteorological record.

A letter from Gov. Corcoles to Crown (Spanish), held By St. Augustine Historical Soc., Stetson

Papers, pp 4. Reports a hurricane lasting 24 hours beginning on 30 September. City was

completely inundated, most of the houses destroyed. The inundation of the city suggest either a

hurricane making direct landfall near or to the south of St. Augustine. Most of the houses of the

city are reported as destroyed by the winds and storm surge. It rained for 24 hours, likely a “Dora”

type landfall. Due to the destruction of the town of St. Augustine by English forces in 1704, it is
11

difficult to ascertain the magnitude of the system because of an incomplete understanding of the

structural characteristics of the remaining buildings.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast Florida

coastal waters.

Year: 1752

Date(s): 14-15 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near Charleston, South Carolina

Remarks: Likely a major hurricane which passed just offshore of the Georgia coast.

Ludlum reports, “incredible damage was done to the trees...”17 Bullard (1996) describes damage

by this storm to Fort William at the south end of Cumberland Island, “Farther along on Cumberland

Island, adjacent to Spanish-held Florida, they found Fort St. Andrews at the north end abandoned

and in ruins. Fort William with its lonely detachment- six solders and their corporal- stood at the

south end. Damaged by the 1752 hurricane, it too, suffered neglect and, as Bryan noted, was ‘In

a ruinous Condition.’”18 The storm was described as being “extreme” in the Charleston area. Note:

this storm impacted the Charleston area on the day of the transition between the Julian and

Gregorian Calendars.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for upper Georgia, an offshore hurricane for

the upper and lower Georgia coastal waters. The damage to the fort on Cumberland Island is likely

due to surf and lower Georgia likely only experienced tropical storm conditions. No Florida

information is available.

Year: 1753

Date(s): 24-25 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event.

Remarks: This is a previously undocumented event, and is believed to be new to the

meteorological record.

Bullard (1996) reports, “Here came on a violent storm of Wind at NE and Rain which came on the

Night before, but now with greater violence, which prevented our going over the sound to

Amelia...”19 “This afternoon we set away from Fort William homeward, the bad Weather

continuing, and at Night a terrible storm came on. we came to an anchor, and lay all night, hoping

to cross Cumberland Sound in the Morning, but the Weather continued. our poor Men Suffer’d very

much...”20 Later the rain ceased, however the wind remained “very hard” and the seas across

Cumberland Sound are described as “great.” The expedition in fact turned back never reaching

Amelia Island. This may be a tropical storm or a minimal hurricane offshore of the area. Wedges

(or as they are known in the study area “northeasters”) are not unheard of in August, but the
12

description of a “terrible storm” is not characteristic of typical northeaster conditions. Tannehill lists

a hurricane at Charleston on September 15th but no listing is made of this event.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a (very questionable) tropical storm for Lower Georgia,

Northeast Florida and the Lower Georgia and Northeast Florida coastal waters.

Year:1756

Date(s):Unknown

Principle Affected Area(s): Georgia - not counted

Landfall Point(s):Unknown, likely an offshore event.

Remarks: Listed by Tannehill. 

Possibly a tropical storm or minimal hurricane. Apparently, not a significant event for coastal

Georgia. 1756 had several Carribean landfalls, with a storm moving over the Caymans on October

1

st and just east of Havana on the 2nd and 3rd being a strong candidate for this event.

Summary: As no reliable information can be obtained on this storm it will not be counted as a

tropical cyclone, but is included for the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year:1757

Date(s): September, 22-23.

Principle Affected Area(s): Florida and Georgia coasts - not counted

Landfall Point(s):Unknown, likely an offshore event.

Remarks: Listed by Ludlum and Tannehill, no further information is available.

Summary: As the characteristics of this event cannot be ascertained it will not be counted as a

tropical cyclone but is added to the list for historical completeness.

Year: 1758

Date(s): 23 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): South Carolina

Remarks: Listed by Carter but not identified by the other principle commentators.

Affected the South Carolina coast and likely the Georgia coastal waters. Mock (2001) has identified

a South Carolina landfall on this date, so it appears reasonable that a tropical cyclone traversed the

coastal waters. Apparently, not a significant event for coastal Georgia.

Summary: This storm will be counted as an offshore hurricane for the upper Georgia and lower

Georgia coastal waters.

Year:1763

Date(s): Late October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - not counted

Northeast Florida coastal waters - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event

Remarks: Singer (1992) reports, “Charming Sally (schooner) and two French sloops - One of the

sloops wrecked at St. Augustine and the other two vessels a few miles down the coast from St.

Augustine...”21 Possibly a “local northeaster.”
13

Summary: As the characteristics of this event can not be ascertained it will not be counted as a

tropical cyclone but is added to the list for historical completeness.

Year: 1769

Date(s): 30 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - not counted

Northeast Florida coastal waters - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event.

Remarks: All of the principle commentators list a hurricane along the Florida east coast on 30

August. No other information is available on this event. A reference could not be found to it in the

archives in St. Augustine. It is almost certain that a significant event as late as this would have

found its way into the historical archives.

Summary: As the characteristics of this event can not be ascertained it will not be counted as a

tropical cyclone but is added to the list for completeness. This may be the same event as indicated

in the following listing.

Year:1769

Date(s): 25 September; 28-29 September (?)

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near St. Augustine (?)

Remarks: Not previously listed by any commentator. It is believed to be the same storm as 28-

29 September at Charleston.

From Gov. James Grant to Lord Hillsborough (English Period), held by the St. Augustine Historical

Soc., Ref CO 5-551, “-EmBarkation should be avoided in September if possible, for in these

Southern Latitudes we have always very Stormy Weather about the time of the Equinox - the 25th

of September last there was a the hardest Gale I ever saw in any part of the world, it really may be

called a hurricane- the Transports which were in great danger are refitting in Charles Town- the

Schooners with the 21st Regiment on Board are in sight...”

“The Stormy Weather of September has hurt our planters exceedingly, and will prevent their

sending home any thing near the Produce I expected- Georgia and the two Carolinas have suffered

much from the same cause.”22

Marx (1994) indicates that the British merchant snow (a type of vessel) Ledbuy “was driven onshore

near Cape Florida by a violent gale of wind on September 29...”23 but that event may have occurred

in October (See below). Ludlum lists a hurricane in Charleston on the 28th and 29th of September

and that may be the same storm. Clearly, there was a hurricane in the area in late September 1769.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast

Florida coastal waters.
14

Year: 1769

Date(s): 29 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near present day Miami, possibly moving offshore

Remarks: All of the principle commentators list a hurricane along the Florida east coast on 29

October.

Romans wrote, “I have never heard of much mischief in the vernal equinox and if a hurricane was

ever known in this Peninsula, it was on the 29th of October 1769, when there was a terrible gust

between lat. 29:10 and 29:50, which blew many trees down, and drove the snow Ledbury a shore,

where she remained dry on a key, now distinguished by her name, but heretofore considered as a

part of what was improperly called by the name Key Largo.”24

Summary: This is a confusing report, the latitude referenced corresponds well within the southern

edge of the study area, however the references to Key Largo are confusing. The date is also

suspicious occurring exactly one month following the previous report. Most likely this storm made

landfall over southwest Florida and was passing offshore south of northeast Florida, on an eastnortheast track. Millas does not report any 1769 storms in the Caribbean, and it seems unlikely the

storm passed over Cuba. The authors cannot ascribe a high level of confidence to this being a

northeast Florida event but a coastal waters event seems likely.

Year: 1780

Date(s): 14-19 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event.

Remarks: Apparently the series of legendary October hurricanes were making their presence felt

along the northeast Florida coast. It is possible the strongest of the three, the 11-18 October “Great

Hurricane,” may have come closer to the Florida peninsula than previously thought. Mr. Josiah

Smith made the following report from St. Augustine, “Thursday 19th October. The weather as

mentioned on Saturday, growing worse, by Sunday evening it came on to Rain and blow excessive

hard, and till the evening of yesterday was a mere Gale at about N. N. E. by which means the Sea

came in very heavily upon the front of the Town and raised the Tide several feet higher than

common, and which ran through some of the Lanes up to the Second Street, above 150 feet from

the bay...”25 Severe erosion occurred with this event.

It is possible the “Great Hurricane” came closer to the coast than previously realized and the

pressure gradient may have been very tight along the coast. This report could also be attributed to

“Solano’s Storm” in the later portion of the period.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a hurricane, but it may be that the fringes of one, or

more, of the series of “Great Hurricanes” influenced the study area.

Year: 1781

Date(s): August 10th

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - not counted

Upper Georgia coastal waters - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event.
15

Remarks: Ludlum was the primary source for this event. The wind direction at both Charleston

and Wilmington, North Carolina indicate the storm must have moved along some portion of the

Georgia coast.

26

Summary: As the characteristics of this event can not be ascertained it will not be counted as a

tropical cyclone for the study area but is added to the list for historical completeness.

Year:1794

Date(s): Between 1-8 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, Possibly moving overland from SW Florida

Remarks: This is a previously undocumented event, and is believed to be new to the

meteorological record.

Jacksonville historian JimWard refers to damage done to the Quesada Battery (presently the

Mayport Naval Station) caused by a hurricane. Pedro Diaz Berrio, the chief military engineer for

the province reported the parapets had been blown away and the structure was undermined by the

early October hurricane. The Military Post at San Vicente Ferrer (St. Johns Bluff) suffered

significant erosion and the cemetery was eroded away exposing the skeletons based on a letter dated

9 October. From the dates of the letters contained in the East Florida Papers, it appears this storm

must have been an early October event.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast

Florida coastal waters.

Year:1797

Date(s): 15-16 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely an offshore event.

Remarks: Marx (1994) states, “A number of American vessels were cast away on the east coast

of Florida during a hurricane on October 15 or 16. Some were also lost in the Bahamas.”27

According to a letter from the East Florida Papers, Bundle 165, dated 17 October 1797, a frigate

bound for Hamburg was grounded north of the St. Augustine Bar. Ludlum lists a hurricane striking

Charleston on the 19th and 20th, and this is likely the same event. This storm was not listed by

Millas, so Ludlum’s scenario of this storm moving across Cuba seems unlikely.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida, Upper Georgia and

Lower Georgia coastal waters.
16

Year:1804

Date(s): 7-8 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - major hurricane

Upper Georgia - major hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Lower Georgia - major hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Landfall Point(s): St. Simons Island

Remarks: “Great Gale of 1804,” sometimes called “the Antigua-Charleston Hurricane of 1804."

Aaron Burr noted in a correspondence that St. Simons Island was flooded with water 7' above

normal and described the eye transiting his location. The tide rose10' above MSL on the Savannah

waterfront, approximately 60 miles north of landfall, and in the same area Gunboat #1 was driven

7 miles over marshes finally coming to rest in a cornfield on Whitemarsh Island. The storm was

severe at Dungeness, on Cumberland Island, and the severely flooded Pablo Creek (currently the

intracoastal waterway) inhibiting Aaron Burr’s travel to St. Augustine on the 10th. More than 500

persons drowned.

The Spanish Quasada Battery, at the mouth of the St. Johns River, was destroyed by the storm surge

and had to be rebuilt. Dunn and Miller list this storm as, “Minimal for land areas and intense

offshore for the northeast Florida coast on the 7th,” yet Marx (1994) describes eight ships being sunk

in St. Augustine harbor “during a fierce northeast gale.”28 Based on the above accounts and the

Marx report, clearly the damage in northeast Florida was greater than previous commentators

accounted for and this storm was more significant in northeast Florida than indicated in past studies.

It seems reasonable that the storm moved on a northwest course just offshore finally making landfall

at St. Simons Island and Darien. Apparently, the track was close to, but west of, the 27 August

1893 event.

Summary: This storm will be counted as, a hurricane for northeast Florida and a major hurricane

for Upper Georgia, Lower Georgia, the Northeast Florida coastal waters, Upper Georgia coastal

waters and Lower Georgia coastal waters.

Year:1804

Date(s): 4 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia coast - not counted.

Landfall Point(s): Near Savannah?

Remarks: Listed by Tannehill, not reported by Ludlum or Dunn and Miller. Possibly a tropical

storm or minimal hurricane.

Summary: As no reliable information can be obtained on this storm it will not be counted as a

hurricane, but is included for the historical completeness of this chronology.
17

Year:1806

Date(s): 15 Sept

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): South of St. Augustine.

Remarks: Listed by Ludlum. Tannehill lists a hurricane passing through Dominica and Puerto

Rico on the 9th through the 11th of September. The Storm is not listed in Hispaniola but Marx

(1994) indicates a hurricane in the Bahamas on the 13th of September, which wrecked the Polly and

Speedwell29 and Ludlum reports that “...On September 13 a more severe gale threw down the houses

and tore up the trees by the roots.

30 On the 15th the Isaac was wrecked on Great Inagua Island.31

“Another Gale - Capt Bunker, from East Florida, informs us that a most destructive gale was

experienced on the Florida coast on the 15th of September: St. Augustine had suffered considerably,

several houses were blown down, the vessels in port driven on shore, and the pier entirely

demolished. Capt. Bunker lost his vessel on Cape Romain in the Sept gale of 1804, but thinks this

gale far exceeded that in severity. A great number of vessels have been driven on the Florida

shore...”32

Summary: It appears this storm moved north of Hispaniola through the Bahamas then most likely

making landfall along the Florida east coast. The severity of the storm at St. Augustine and the

Bahamas suggests it may have been a major hurricane. This storm will be counted as a hurricane

for northeast Florida and the northeast Florida coastal waters.

Year:1811

Date(s): 4-5 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near St. Augustine

Remarks: Identified by Ludlum, not listed by Tannehill nor Dunn and Miller.

One of the more significant hurricanes in northeast Florida. Destroyed a portion of the storehouse

at the San Vicente Ferrer fortifications on the St. Johns River. In St. Augustine Captain General

Marques de Someruelos reported, “a strong storm accompanying a furious hurricane...destroyed the

houses in this city, especially those on Marine Street [along the bay, added by author]. Those that

remain are in a deplorable state... In the plaza and streets there were boats and canoes carrying the

sad and miserable, fleeing ...in fear of death, looking for a safe house to save their lives.”33 Several

destroyed homes were not rebuilt until 1822.

Apparently this storm made landfall near or slightly south of St. Augustine and was felt into

southeast Georgia as evidenced by the following: “Loss of Gun-Boat No 2. The U.S. Gun-Boat,

No. 2 (schooner rigged) under the command of Mr. Lippincott, of the Navy, sailed from this port

on the 9th ult bound for St. Marys. On Friday morning, 4th inst. They made Cumberland Island,

but being unable to procure a pilot, they, at night, stood off, weather very bad and a high sea. - On

Saturday morning, the wind increasing to a heavy gale from the N. N. E., the vessel was hove to

under a trey sail, with her head to the eastward; about 11 a.m. The gale increasing, took in the trey
18

sail, and in about five minutes after a heavy sea broke onboard, which hove the boat on her beam

ends - they immediately attempted to cut away the mast, but that part of the crew which was below,

in their alarm, forced open the hatches, which had been secured in the early gales and the Gun-Boat

instantly filled and went down. Several of the crew attempted to save themselves from instant death

by clinging to the floating sweeps, spars &c. But one only of their numbers escaped to tell the

mournful tale; all the rest, after struggling awhile in the waves, shared the fate of those who went

down with the vessel. The man saved is named John Tier, and what is very remarkable, he was one

of the men saved from the wreck of Gun-Boat No. 157, lost on Charleston Bar on the 17th of May

last. This man was picked up the next day, after having been 29 hours upon an oar, by Capt. Gould,

of the schr. Dolly, of Rhode Island, and landed at Amelia Island...”34 10 Officers and Passengers

and 25 seamen perished in this wreck. The coast of East Florida was reported to be strewn with

wrecks. “Two or Three houses were blown down...”35 at St Marys.

Summary: Based on the damage at St Augustine, St Marys and wreck of the Gunboat, this storm

will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida, the northeast Florida coastal waters, Lower

Georgia, and the lower Georgia coastal waters.

Year:1812

Date(s): 1-5 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Lower Georgia - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Unknown

Remarks: Listed as a major hurricane in Georgia by Dunn and Miller, not listed by Ludlum or

Tannehill. Patrick (1954) reports, “On October 1 a wind of near hurricane force prevented the men

from fording the St. Johns, but they crossed the river a few days later and spurred their horses

forward.”36 The storm apparently was stationary or preformed a loop as the expedition again

reported hurricane conditions on the 5th. If not for the dates of the letters describing this event it

would be tempting to list this as a confused report from the previous year’s event. Clearly,

northeast Florida was struck by hurricane conditions on the same date in subsequent years! This

appears to be the same storm listed by Carter.

Summary: No definitive information to support major intensity can be found, and it is possible it

has become confused with the 16 September 1813 event. This storm will be counted as a hurricane

for northeast Florida. Lower Georgia, the northeast Florida coastal waters and the Lower Georgia

coastal waters.

Year:1813

Date(s): 27 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): South Carolina
19

Remarks: Listed by all commentators. A description of this event at Charleston and the Bahamas

appears in The Niles Weekly Register -Saturday, September 11, 1813, Page 32. Carter lists for

Georgia, “A severe hurricane in the Charleston area had some effect in Georgia.”37 Apparently, not

a significant event for land areas.

Summary: This storm will be counted as an offshore hurricane for the coastal waters on its

approach from the Bahamas to Charleston and a tropical storm for upper Georgia

Year:1813

Date(s):16-17 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia - major hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Upper Georgia - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Cumberland Island, Amelia Island and St. Marys

Remarks: Identified By Ludlum, not listed by Tannehill or Dunn and Miller.

Bullard (1986) prints portions of three letters describing this storm. Three letters by Mr. Phineas

MillerNightingale, on Cumberland Island, Dr. William Baldwin, on Amelia Island and Commodore

Hugh Campbell, ALL describe the passage of the eye over their locations and with good correlation

in respect to the timing of the events. The U.S. gunboats protecting St. Marys were sunk or

scattered. 20 sailors on Gunboat 164 drowned along with 2 more on a Revenue Cutter and at

Stallings 28 persons were reported to have perished. The descriptions of damage, storm surge, and

wind direction from make it clear that a major hurricane made landfall along the St. Marys River

and proceeded some distance inland. The storm was felt along the upper Georgia coast.

From the letter by Commodore Hugh Campbell to the Secretary of the Navy, “The Saucy Jack

privateer, of Charleston, lying ready to sail, is now lying high and dry on a marsh that must be at

least 5 feet above the level of low tide. She draws 14 feet, seven feet being the common rise.”38

This would indicate a storm surge of at least 19 feet above Mean Low Water (MLW). Modern

storm surge modeling indicates that a minimum of a category three, to possibly a category four

storm, is necessary to generate that level of surge in the vicinity of St. Marys.

This is possibly the same storm which Tannehill lists in the Leeward Islands on 7-8 September

1813. 1813 was an extremely active year in the North Atlantic basin.

Summary: Based on storm tides at St Marys and reports from St Simons Island, this storm will

be counted as a major hurricane for Lower Georgia and the adjacent coastal waters, and as a

hurricane for Upper Georgia, the Upper Georgia coastal waters, Northeast Florida, and the

Northeast Florida coastal waters.
20

Year:1817

Date(s):7-8 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

(Extreme) northeast Florida - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Apalachee Bay or Cedar Key (?)

Remarks: Identified by Ludlum and Carter. 

The storm may be traced from newspaper accounts into the Mid-Atlantic States and Canada. Severe

fresh water flooding (a “freshet”) occurred in the Baltimore area. Reports of the disruption of

overland communications across coastal Georgia are also evident. The Savannah Republican,

August 19, 1817 edition reports, “The late southeast gale [at Savannah, added by author] was very

severe at Amelia [Island, added by author] and St. Mary’s on Thursday night last - most of the

vessels in the later port were driven onshore, trees in the town torn up by the roots and much other

damage sustained.”39 Marx (1994) does not list any wrecks which might be associated with it,

however the Savannah Republican lists several.

An exact landfall point can not be ascertained. Based on wind directions , the level of fresh water

flooding and the locations of the primary damage, it seems likely that this was a hurricane

progressing northward. The storm likely made landfall somewhere in the Apalachee Bay or the

north Florida areas and proceeded north just inland through the mid-Atlantic states to Canada.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida, Upper Georgia and

Lower Georgia. The damage at St Marys suggest that it may have been of hurricane intensity there.

Year: 1819

Date(s): Unknown

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Unknown

Remarks: Reported by Georgia historian, Buddy Sullivan in his book, “Early Days on the Georgia

Tidewater, The Story of McIntosh County and Sapelo, quotes Coulter’s book on Thomas Spaulding.

“...a storm in 1819 caused considerable damage in Darien and other parts of McIntosh County,

including Sapelo...”40 The Savannah Republican reported a hail storm with crop damage in August,

which is believed to be to be the storm referred to. No other information is available on this event.

Summary: As the characteristics of this event can not be ascertained it will not be counted as a

tropical cyclone but is added to the list for completeness.

Year: 1824

Date(s): 14-15 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - major hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Lower Georgia - major hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - major hurricane
21

Landfall Point(s): Near Darien and St. Simons Island; The eye moved directly over the town of

Darien, Ga.

Remarks: Center probably skirted north of Caribbean islands and along the outer Bahamas.

Exceeded 1804 storm in flooding and damage. St. Simons Island completely overflowed. 83

persons killed on this island. (not listed in Georgia by Dunn and Miller and is only indicated as

being “Along the Georgia coast” by Tannehill. Well documented by Ludlum.

William Page had 245 acres under cultivation on St. Simons Island and it was reported that this

hurricane did extensive damage to his holdings on that island. “...as the sea dashed around them

with all...[its] fury...until it had leveled to the earth the hospital, storehouse...cotton and corn-house,

with many out buildings, crushing their carriage, carts and wagons, drowning their cattle an[d] other

stock and spreadingwild confusion...”

41 John Couper’s losses were estimated to be between 50 and

60 thousand dollars. Thomas Spaulding of Sapelo island reported, a wall of water six feet high

sweeping across the island and losses of 40 to 50 thousand dollars. The lighthouse on the south end

of Sapelo was destroyed, with the sea running from 6 to 8 feet inside the structure. The beacons

on Wolfs Island were likewise destroyed. The keeper of the Wolf’s Island beacon reports the door

“Stove in, the sea breaking from 10 to 12 feet, which destroyed the whole of the oil.”42

William Carnochan’s Sugar Mill and rum distillery near Darien (at the Thicket) was destroyed and

never rebuilt. “The islands on the coast were all under water. On the mainland at Carnochan’s flat,

where Mr. [Richard L.] Morris and Mr. [T.P.] Pease now reside, at the Hudson place, and at

Colonel Harrison’s (a continuation of the same flat ground) the tide rose over ten feet above the

surface.”43

The eye passed directly over the town of Darien, “The wind was first from the north and east. It

blew with the greatest violence between eleven and twelve o’clock at night, after which it suddenly

ceased. For half an hour it was nearly calm. Then it shifted to the west, and for some hours it blew

more fiercely than ever. Under this change of direction the water fell rapidly, and many captives

in trees and homes were permitted to come down and out.”44 The Savannah Georgian, of 25

September 1824, reported, “The storm at Darien, and its neighborhood. Exceed that of 1804, both

in violence and destruction.” This is confirmed by reports from the Darien Gazette over the next

two weeks. The beaches of Cumberland Island, near the St Johns bar and at St Augustine were

covered with wreckage.

Summary: Storm Tide values support major status and based on the storm’s track from the

Bahamas to Darien, will list as a major hurricane for Upper Georgia, Lower Georgia, and all of

the coastal waters and as a hurricane along the northeast Florida coast.
22

Year:1825

Date(s): 2-3 June

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Apalachee Bay or near Cedar Key (?)

Remarks: Ludlum’s, “Early June Hurricane of 1825." Ludlum details the observations at St

Augustine, “With wind out of the east, rain commenced on the morning of Thursday, 2 June, with

a shift later in the day to the southeast-by-south. No mention was made of any excessive wind

speeds. By next morning the wind had backed into the northeast with the rain continuing until

1400. The wind behavior would place the storm center as first approaching from the south or

southwest, but finally passing to the east on the morning of the 3rd.”45 The authors can’t dispute

Ludlum’s analysis of this storm but based on the lack of damage, it would appear it was below

hurricane strength in the study area.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a Tropical Storm for northeast Florida and Upper and

Lower Georgia.

Year:1825

Date(s): 2 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near and south of St. Augustine

Remarks: Not previously listed by any commentator for this area. This is likely the same storm

listed by Tannehill over Cienfuegos, Cuba on the 1st of October..

The East Florida Herald reported, “On Sunday the 2nd inst. the city was visited by a gale of wind

which raised the waters in the harbor about 4 feet above high water mark, and caused a swell which

did considerable injury to some of the houses which were within its influence; The weather had

worn a threatening aspect for several days, and about daybreak it blew with considerable violence

from the E.N.E. from which time the gale increased until nine o’clock, when the wind shifted to S.

E. and terminated in that quarter about midday. Four schooners were forced ashore above high

water mark, one of which stove in an outbuilding attached to Mr. Andersons house. One stone

building was demolished by having the part next to the river undermined and thrown down, and

material injury was done to other houses, by having their foundations exposed to the actions of the

sea. The market house which stood in an open and exposed situation was thrown down - and

unfortunately too, for many of those who had not disposed of their orange crops, a great portion of

them were shaken from the trees, and many fences prostrated; we have not yet learnt how far this

gale has extended but we presume that the Planters on the sea coast for some distance must have

had considerable injury done to the Cotton Crops.”46

1825 appeared to be a significant year for hurricane activity with the early June hurricane. The

“Santa Ana” hurricane of 26 July in Puerto Rico and this event.

Summary: Will list as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast Florida coastal waters.
23

Year:1830

Date(s):15-16 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): South Carolina

Remarks: Identified by Carter and Davis in Jacksonville, Mapped by Tannehill. A storm moved

northward off the Georgia coast and entered South Carolina near Charleston. Ludlum reports, “...the

storm was ‘very severe’ when abreast of St. Augustine, Florida, where the weather observer at Fort

Marion recorded ‘a violent gale’ from the northeast on the 15th with rain and a temperature close

to 80.

From the Revenue Cutter South Carolina stationed in St. Andrews Sound (near Brunswick in

southeastern Georgia), the captain reported that the wind commenced to blow strong from the

northeast about 2000 on Sunday evening, the 15th, remaining high until 0200 when a shift to

southwest occurred. The gale raged through early morning until 0800 when it commenced to abate.

The hour of wind shift at 0200 can be taken as the approximate time the center was abreast of the

southeastern Georgia point.”47

Summary: This storm will be counted as an offshore hurricane for the coastal waters and as a

tropical storm for the coast.

Year:1831

Date(s):10 June

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, possibly Apalachee Bay

Remarks: Identified by all sources. Described as a “Violent Gale”48 at St. Augustine. Dunn and

Miller listed this event as a probable west coast storm and given the normal climatology this appears

reasonable.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida and the lower

Georgia coast.

Year: 1835

Date(s): Early August

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, possible offshore tropical storm

Remarks: The East Florida Herald, in St. Augustine reported, “We have just had a heavy blow

for several days, out of the north and east, attended with rain, but to my surprise the thermometer

was undisturbed by it. Such a gale in the north must have changed it many degrees.”49

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida.
24

Year:1835

Date(s): 14 September (October ?)

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida (Mosquito Inlet, St. Augustine) - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, overland from Tampa Bay?

Remarks: Identified by Ludlum. Not identified by the other principle commentators.

The history of the Mosquito Inlet (now Ponce Inlet) Lighthouse indicates that a hurricane struck in

October, washing away the keeper’s quarters and undermining the foundations of the lighthouse

enough to cause it to lean. Keeper Williams and his family abandoned the area and moved back

to his father’s plantation. A review of the East Florida Herald, leads one to believe that an October

date is not likely, but the “violent” gales associated with a hurricane striking south Florida on the

14th September extended up to the lighthouse’s location through the 17th. This storm may have

recurved in the Gulf and exited the coast near St. Augustine.

Summary: As the characteristics and location of this event can not be ascertained it will not be

counted as a tropical cyclone in the study area, but is added for historical completeness.

Year:1837

Date(s): 1-2 Aug

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s):Well south of St. Augustine

Remarks: Center apparently passed well to the south of St. Augustine. The wind at Fort Marion

shifted from northeast to Southeast with “showers and heavy rain all day,”50 indicating the center

passed to the south of that location. Jacksonville experienced a hard gale on the 1st and 2nd. The

Jacksonville Courier Identifies this as the storm which blew down two warehouses near the river,

Ludlum mistakenly attributes this to the 6 August storm.51 Several vessels were grounded or

damaged by this storm.

The authors believe this storm actually entered the Florida east coast south of Jupiter Inlet and

crossed over the peninsula to enter the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. It is possible that this storm

may have lingered the Gulf between the 3rd and 6th and made a second landfall along the Florida

panhandle on August 7. It is also possible that this storm may have interacted with the next

hurricane which struck the region on the 6th of August, but this is simply unprovable at this time.

It seems probable that north Florida only experienced the fringe effects of this storm and likely not

above tropical storm force winds.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida and the northeast

Florida coastal waters.
25

Year:1837

Date(s): 6 Aug

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Lower Georgia - hurricane

Upper Georgia - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Between southern Amelia Island and St. Augustine

Remarks: The eye of this hurricane may have passed across modern day Duval County. The wind

at St. Augustine suddenly shifted from the northeast to northwest around 11 am on the 6th. The

Courier, in Jacksonville, reported that a wharf was "carried away" and the violence of the storm

"awakened serious fears for some of the houses on the river."52 The winds there shifted from

northeast to southeast indicating the center passed south of downtown. A severe tidal inundation

took place in St. Marys, “The tide rose in our streets from 4 to 6 feet, and many houses were

deserted - their tenets leaving in boats...”53 From the East Florida Herald, “the gale of the 6th was

as severe as that in 1813 and has done as much injury to the place...”54 [As previously noted the

1813 storm was likely a major hurricane at that location]. The road from Pablo Creek to the North

River [about the route of the present day intracoastal waterway] was obstructed by the many

downed trees.

At Darien, “During the last week we have been visited by a storm which has not been equaled since

that of the year 1824. The wind on Sunday last, in the morning blew fresh from the northeast; in

the after part of the day, it shifted around to southeast, when the rain began to fall in heavy torrents.

The wind then rose very high, and began to blow with fearful violence, tearing up the oldest oaks

and mulberry trees in the place of the roots... ...The water of the river then rose, and covered the

rice plantations so completely that they appeared to the eye to form part of the river. The rice, there

is no doubt, will be greatly injured by the salt with which the water is impregnated.”55

Tannehill reports a violent hurricane passed over Puerto Rico on 2 August where it is known as

“Los Angeles” and it is likely the same storm. The barometer at San Juan dropped to 28.00

inches/948 mb during the passage of this hurricane.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for all of the study area.

Year:1837

Date(s): 16-18 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Offshore

Remarks: The “Calypso” hurricane. Passed offshore of the coast, but brought gale force winds to

St. Augustine from the 16th thru the 18th.
26

Summary: This storm will be counted as an offshore hurricane for the northeast Florida, Upper and

Lower Georgia coastal waters and as a tropical storm for Northeast Florida.

Year: 1837

Date(s): 31 Aug- 1 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

(Extreme) Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Apalachee Bay.

Remarks: Track Identified by Ludlum and Tannehill. The storm made landfall near Cedar Key and

exited the coast near Jekyll island. St. Augustine had a gale on the 31st of August through the 1st.

Savannah and Charleston experienced northeast gales.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for all of the study area.

Year:1837

Date(s): 25-26 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely south of St. Augustine.

Remarks: “after four days of fresh northeast winds,...” (likely due to a northeaster) ”’heavy winds’

prevailed at St. Augustine...’ On the 26th they were described as “heavy gales.”56 An apparent case

of a local “northeaster,” or wedge, blocking a tropical cyclone’s retreat.

Note: 1837 was one of the most active years on record in the North Atlantic basin and “Racer’s

Storm” of 8-9 October is not listed as it moved inland through central Georgia. If this storm is

included six tropical cyclones effected Georgia and northeast Florida that year.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida and the northeast

Florida coastal waters. 
27

Year:1840

Date(s): August 26

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): South Carolina?

Remarks: Apparently an offshore tropical storm which may have impacted the South Carolina

coast.

First detected from the Journal of Hugh Fraser Grant, a rice planter near Darien, Ga., “August 26

Rainy & very squally for several days the wind northeast and every prospect of a gale.”57

From the Savannah Republican, “Few days have passed within the past two months in which we

have not had heavy falls of rain. The season indeed from the commencement should be

characterized as rainy. For near two weeks scare a day has passed without more or less of showersgenerally sudden and violent. This has ended in apparently, the equinoctial storm, which though not

marked by very violent winds has deluged us with rain almost without intermission for three

days.”58

“Extract of a letter received in Charleston, dated ‘Wadwalaw Island, Aug. 31 1840. ‘Since writing

you last, we have had the most unpropitious weather, for our crops, heavy rains almost without

ceasing for the past five days and high violent winds, which were only, not a gale; and which have

beaten and bruised the cotton plants...”59

Summary: Earlier reports and the duration of this event suggest a frontal passage and the

languishing of the system across the southeastern states. Toward the later portion of the event it

appears a baroclinc system may have developed tropical or subtropical characteristics. None of the

principle commentators addresses this system and it will be counted as a tropical storm for Upper

and Lower Georgia and the Georgia Coastal waters.

Year:1841

Date(s): August 23-24

Principle Affected Area(s): Entire study area - not counted

Landfall Point(s):Unknown

Remarks: Listed by Ludlum only. “Gales Miami to Carolinas.”60

Grant cites “Very Heavy Rain all day”61 from the 24th through the 27th with no reports of gales or

high tides. He is very good about listing high tides due to their impact on the rice crop. No

commentary can be found in the Savannah or Charleston Newspapers.

Summary: As the characteristics and location of this event can not be ascertained it will not be

counted as a tropical cyclone in the study area, but is added for historical completeness.
28

Year: 1841

Date(s): September 14-16

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Unknown.

Remarks: Grant recorded in September, “14 Heavy wind from N. E. very high tide & rain;” “15

Blowing almost a gale from N. E. enormous tides three breaks in 27, 12, & 23, everything wet;” “16

N. E. gale tremendous rains & freshet every field under water, and do not run dry at low water”62

From the Savannah Republican, “THE STORM - A NorthEasterly gale and change of moon, have

given us the highest tides for many years. Hutchinson’s Island has been flooded and numerous rice

fields in this vicinity. We fear the damage is extensive, particularly to those who have not finished

housing their rice. The tremendous torrents of rain accompanying the whole we fear extend to the

interior and along the coast, and the cotton crop, both Sea Island and Upland, must be seriously

injured. The storm is not yet over, but we hope the highest tides are.”63

Ludlum, and Carter, do not list this event. Tannehill indicates a landfall in South Carolina on the

16th and Dunn and Miller list a minor storm at Charleston also on the 16th. It appears likely that this

is the western side of that system as it moved north from near the Bahamas.

Summary: Based on later reports of inland flooding and minor problems from Cape Canaveral

Florida to the Savannah River, as well as delays to coastal navigation it would appear this system

was a tropical storm across the entire area and will be counted as such. It may have been a

hurricane well offshore, based on a report from the schooner Jos. Crowell, near Cape Canaveral and

the listings noted above.

Year: 1842

Date(s): 2 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, likely south of Fort George Island, Mayport

Remarks: From the diary of Kingsley Beatty Gibbs (on Fort George Island), “Now have several

hard rains, and quite a gale from N. E.”64 Hugh Fraser Grant reported, [Aug] “2 Heavy wind and

rain from N. E. no damage done.“65

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the entire area, it could have been

a tropical depression or wedge so the confidence is rather low.
29

Year: 1842

Date(s): 5-7 October

Principle Affected Area(s): 5-6 October Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

7 October Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Interior North Florida - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Cedar Key, Florida

Remarks: Listed by all of the major commentators, Carter and Davis. Dunn and Miller listed as

“Bad around Cedar Keys.”66 Apparently a slow moving system which moved east-northeast across

extreme northeast Florida and then to Bermuda. Ludlum reported, “St. Augustine experienced,

‘the greatest gale ever remembered, at least for 15 years, ‘according to the editor of the Florida

Herald. ‘There was a great gale from the E. with heavy rain. During the evening the wind varied

from S. E. to S. and continued with violence during the night. Early on the 6th, the wind hauled

around to the west, and somewhat abated.’ The statement added that ‘but about 10 at night it

shifted to due N. and blew much severer than had been experienced for years.’“67

From the diary of Kingsley Beatty Gibbs,

“4 A great deal of rain, and begins with quite a N. E. storm.

 6 No work done today - a very heavy gale with a

great deal of rain - fences down - bridges gone &c.

 8 Repairing damages -...”68

From Hugh Fraser Grant,

“5&6 Heavy N. E. Gale for 36 Hours, the tide entirely over the whole plantation about 5 inches

higher than the freshet of 1841, March.

 7 Wind still fresh from N. E. and tides very high three breaks one in 27, 18 and u 20"69

 

Damage appears to be relatively light based a subsequent letter written in Nov ‘42. Ho traced this

storm over the Gulf of Mexico making landfall north of Cedar Key as an estimated 955 mb storm

with an Radius Maximum Winds (RMW) of 18 nmi.70 This storm exited the coast south of present

day Mayport as evidenced by the Gibbs report.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and lower Georgia and

the adjacent coastal waters. As a tropical storm for Upper Georgia and the adjacent coastal waters.

Year:1842

Date(s): 26 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm
30

Landfall Point(s): Offshore

Remarks: Listed by Ludlum, “The gale of the 26th at St. Augustine was ‘severe’ but ‘not as violent

as that of the 5th.’”71 Tannehill lists a storm in the Leeward Islands around the 24th and it is possible

this is the same storm recurving offshore.

From the diary of Kingsley Beatty Gibbs,

“27 ...High wind.

 31 still a very high wind - all the people are now sorting - moting &c. Not much more cotton to

Pick - poor crop of it - a great deal of bad weather during this month - cotton much

injured.”72

From the journal of Hugh Fraser Grant, near Darien, Ga.

“29, 30, & 31 Heavy wind from N. E. & much rain tides very high with one break on canal north

bank.”73

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the entire study area.

Year:1844

Date(s): 7 Sept

Principle Affected Area(s): Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): South of St. Augustine (Likely, near Flagler or Daytona Beach )

Remarks: Center moved across the coast south of St. Augustine. Ho estimated a central pressure

of 950 mb prior to landfall with an RMW of 12 nmi.74 A wind report of 75 from the northeast is

recorded at Fort Marion, at 9 PM, with the maximum wind velocity likely missed during the night.

No significant wind shifts to the west or damage appears to have occurred in St. Augustine during

this event.

Ho misidentifies Fort Marion as being on the St. Johns River 20 nmi SW of the city of St.

Augustine, but in fact Fort Marion was the Castillo De San Marcos in St. Augustine itself. The eye

later moved over Apalachicola and the storm caused much destruction in that city. Given this

information it is likely a small intense storm made landfall to the south of the city and then

proceeded inland across the peninsula.

From Hugh Fraser Grant near Darien, GA,

“4 to 8 Wind Fresh from N. E. with occasional showers of rain. Very heavy Rain.”75

Ho suggested that this was most likely the most severe 19th century storm to effect north Florida,

but damage reports from the 1811, 1813, 1825, 1837, 1880, 1896 and 1898 storms suggests this

may not, in fact, be the case. Indeed the St Augustine News, had little to say about this event other

than to note that “...the wind rose from the N. E. and for a time we had a severe blow.”76 No reports

of damage were included in subsequent editions, this makes one wonder, if this were indeed a minor

hurricane as the observations indicate, how strong were the events where significant damage is

reported at St. Augustine.
31

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast

Florida coastal waters and as a tropical storm for lower Georgia and the lower Georgia coastal

waters.

Year: 1844

Date(s): 14 September

Principle Affected Area(s): South Carolina (and coastal Georgia?)

Landfall Point(s): Questionable storm for the study area - not counted

Remarks: Listed by Carter as striking northwest Florida and moving through Georgia. Ludlum,

has no listing for this storm. Dunn and Miller report a landfall on the 14th in South Carolina.

Tannehill also lists a storm in the Charleston area on this date. The journal of Hugh Fraser Grant

does not mention a significant weather event on this date. Apparently, not a significant event for

Georgia.

Summary: Due to the uncertainty of the impact of this storm in the study area, it will not be

counted for the study area, but is included for the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year: 1846

Date(s): 11-12 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Upper Georgia - hurricane

Lower Georgia - hurricane

Inland North Florida and Southeast Georgia - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near Cedar Key, Florida

Remarks: A major hurricane in Cuba and the southeast Gulf of Mexico. Key West was almost

destroyed and the Barometer at Havana dropped to 27.06 inches/917 mb. Ho estimated a minimum

central pressure of 902 mb as this storm passed Key West on the 11th.77 The storm made landfall

south of the Cedar Key area late on the 11th suggesting it was in the process of accelerating.

Ludlum reports, in Jacksonville, “...The river rose six feet above high water mark, at two o’clock

on Monday afternoon had flooded all the wharves, and had entered the lower floor of nearly all the

stores on Bay Street...”78 All of the wharves were carried away and several river front buildings

destroyed. Davis (1925) reports, “...water stood in the stores on Bay Street two feet deep.”79 At

Charleston it was described as the most severe gale in a dozen years. This storm is similar to but

more severe in Jacksonville than the September 1896 storm. This storm caused the wreck of the

steamer Mutual Safety on Fort George Island. It is highly likely this was a case of extreme inland

high winds due to acceleration of forward motion.

From the journal of Hugh Fraser Grant near Darien, GA,

“On 12 & 13 of Oct a very severe gale no loss but the banks much washed & broken-“80

Summary: It is possible it may have been a major hurricane for inland north Florida, but due to

a lack of conclusive evidence it will be counted as a hurricane for the entire study area.
32

Year: 1848

Date(s): 17-18 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Jacksonville?

Remarks: Identified by Ludlum. “‘Hardest blow for many years on St. Johns River,’“ Savannah

Republican. 20 Sept. 1848.81 Not identified by any of the other commentators. This reference in

the Savannah Republican was actually located in the 29 of September 1848 edition and refers to

the next event. The Journal of Hugh Fraser Grant, actually lists “delightful weather” on the 18th.”82

Summary: Due to the uncertainly of this event, the storm will not be counted as a tropical cyclone

at this time, but is included for historical completeness.

Year:1848

Date(s): September 25-26

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Overland from North of Tampa Bay

Remarks: Listed by Dunn and Miller as major at Tampa Bay where the tide rose 15 feet above

normal. Ludlum describes two houses blown down in Jacksonville and bay flooding in the streets

of St. Augustine.83 Ho reconstructed this event making landfall as a 945 mb storm with an RMW

of 15 nmi near Clearwater and exiting the east coast near Cape Canaveral.84 All evidence from the

study area seems to confirm this scenario.

From the Journal of Hugh Fraser Grant, near Darien, GA,

“24 Sunday Rainy Wind N. E. & looks Squally

 26 & 27 Pleasant...”85

From the Savannah Republican, “The Late Storm at the South - During the late easterly storm the

steamer Ocmulgee experienced a very severe storm in the St Johns River. It began raining on

Monday evening last at five o’clock and continued until two o’clock on Tuesday morning, when

the wind shifted from the E. S. E. to N. N. W., blowing ‘great guns’ - the hardest blow felt there for

several years. The steamer Ocmulgee had to make harbor about two miles from Palatka, under the

lee of the forest, with her anchors ahead. The mail carrier from St. Augustine to Picolata reports

the gale was very severe at that former place and did considerable injury. After the gale was over

they caught fish with cast nets in the streets. A small schooner from Key West, at anchor off the

town, was blown up against the wall of the Barracks. On Monday evening there was a steamboat

and topsail schooner off the St. Augustine Bar, and it is thought they must have gone ashore south

of St. Augustine. For the above information we are indebted to Capt. McNelty.”86

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast

Florida coastal waters, but doesn’t seem to have had a large impact on coastal Georgia or the

Georgia coastal waters.
33

Year: 1848

Date(s): October 12-13

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Near Tampa Bay

Remarks: Identified by Tannehill and Ludlum. It is likely this storm moved overland from the

Tampa Bay region as Dunn and Miller identify a minimal hurricane landfall with a 10 foot storm

tide there on the same day (however Tannehill does not indicate a storm in the Tampa Bay region

on that day but does on the 16 of October).

From the Journal of Hugh Fraser Grant, near Darien, Ga.,

“12 Pretty severe Gale. Water entirely over the Plantation

 13 Tides over the Land at Low water.”87

From the Savannah Republican, “The Storm - Since Tuesday last, we have had a severe gale

blowing with almost unremitting violence from the North-east, accompanied during most of the

time, with copious rain. Yesterday at 2 o’clock, the wind hauled round and blew “great guns” from

the North-west subsiding somewhat at nightfall. At 9 o’clock yesterday morning there was one of

the highest tides we ever remember to have seen. The Eastern wharf and the Georgia Steam-boat

wharf were both covered with water at about 9 o’clock A.M. Several of the rice fields on the

Savannah River have been overflowed, and we are aware of one instance in which injury has been

done to some rice stacked in the field. – We apprehend that both on the Savannah River and the

Ogeechee, the rice not removed to the high land before thrashing, may have sustained more or less

damage where ever the banks have been broken. It is fortunate that the wind changed as it did. A

continuance of it from the same quarter, would have cause one of the highest tides at 9 o’clock

P.M., ever recorded. – We are not aware of any damage that has been done within the limits of the

town other than the overthrowing of many of our prettiest shade trees. Monument square has been

deprived of two of its ‘honours.’”88

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the entire study area, however, the

damage to shade trees and tides in the Savannah area suggest that it may have been at or near

hurricane strength in that area. Possibly the storm passed offshore and was re-intensifying near

Savannah.

Year: 1851

Date(s): 23 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Interior southeast Georgia - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Apalachicola
34

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz, Storm 3, 1851; HURDAT Storm 3, 1851. Tannehill lists as “1851,

August 16-28 Antigua, Puerto Rico, Havana, Florida.”89 Apparently a Cape Verde storm which

destroyed the St. Marks area. Passed well inland across Georgia causing gales along the coast. No

mention in the Grant Journal.

From the Savannah Republican, “The Storm. Our city and vicinity were visited yesterday by one

of the severest storms of wind and rain that has been experienced in this section for several years.

The wind freshened to a pretty stiff breeze on Saturday night about 10 o’clock, and continued to

increase in violence during the night, until it blew almost a hurricane. Early yesterday morning the

wind was at it’s height, accompanied by an irregular rain, which, at times poured down in torrents.

At this time the storm was extremely violent and only needed the usual accompaniment, thunder

and lightning, to render the scene sublimely terrific. The tin sheeting from the roofs of houses was

lifted and whirled into the air like sheets of tissue paper, – the walls of the new buildings were

thrown down in various parts of the city – tops of chimneys were blown off, and we saw a sash from

the Exchange thrown fifty yards from the building and whirled down the Bay like a wagon wheel.

Trees were torn up by the roots or twisted from their trunks, and large limbs were carried through

the air in every direction. For several hours it was unsafe to venture into the streets, and those did

attempt it derived no protection from umbrellas, which were blown from their heads or torn to

pieces by the wind...

...The wind, which was from the South-west, began to lull about noon, and subsided towards

evening. In the afternoon we walked through several of our principle streets to observe the effects

of the storm. The squares and streets were litterally strewed with branches of trees, and in many

places the sidewalks were obstructed by the trunks of trees of all kinds which had blown down, in

some instances falling upon and crushing the garden walls or against the houses...”90

“The Storm at the South. The steamer Wm. Gaston, Capt Claghorn, arrived last evening from the

south, and we learn by her, that the storm which we experienced on Saturday night and Sunday,

extended all along the Florida coast. At St. Marys it was particularly severe, blowing down several

houses, out houses and innumerable trees, but we hear of no lives being lost...”91

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the entire Georgia coast and adjacent

coastal waters. 

Year: 1852

Date(s): 11-12 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Near Tampa

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 3, 1852. Not listed by the other commentators.

The only significant reports from the study area concern the grounding of a mail packet south of St

Augustine. From the Savannah Republican, “The Wreck of the Chatham. Capt Middleton and

crew, late of the schooner Chatham, arrived at Charleston on Monday, in the schooner Florida,

Capt. Willey from St. Augustine, and from the former the Courier, learns that on Saturday the 11th

inst. About noon, the Chatham experienced a heavy gale from the south-east, and about two

o’clock on Sunday morning, the wind having shifted to the east, and blowing right on shore, the sea

at the time being very heavy, it was determined to run the vessel up on the beach, which was
35

accomplished the same morning at about half past six o’clock, at a spot about fifteen miles south

of St. Augustine...”92 This amplifying information to Paratagas’ description.

Hugh Fraser Grant’s Journal, lists, N. E. Winds and rain from the 7th through the 12th, with no

significant disruptions noted.93

Summary: This storm passed offshore, from the Gulf to the Atlantic, south of the study area and

likely caused tropical storm conditions for northeast Florida coastal waters.

Year:1852

Date(s): 9 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida -tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Inland North Florida and Southeast Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Newport, Florida

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT, Storm 5, 1852. Gales at Jacksonville, listed by Davis.

From the Savannah Republican, “Severe Gale, strong wind from the South-East prevailed here

during Saturday, which increased in violence in the evening, until about nine o’clock it blew a

perfect gale... ...Early in the evening the sky was overcast with clouds, which rendered the night

very dark, through very little rain fell until eleven o’clock. – At this hour the storm was at its height,

and judging from the terrific force in which it broke against the walls of the houses, and the heavy

swelling roar with which it swept over the city, we expected yesterday morning to witness a scene

of destruction even more extensive than that occasioned by the gale with which we were visited in

August of last year. We have taken considerable pains to ascertain the extent of the damage, and

are gratified to find it is not so great as we had reason to apprehend...”94 The paper further reported

damage to trees, small structures, and roofing which is consistent with a strong tropical storm.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the entire study area.

Year: 1853

Date(s): 20-21 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida -tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia -hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters -hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Passed Offshore

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT, Storm 8, 1853. Not listed by Davis despite its significance

at Jacksonville. Partagas had a “spot” storm with one location over the Bahamas, however reports

from north Florida and southeast Georgia indicate the storm traveled north along the Atlantic coast.

 Hugh Fraser Grant recorded, “ 20&21 Severe Gale from N. E. tides over everything several breaks

&c.”95 From the Savannah Republican, “The Late Gale – its effects in the south. The steamer
36

William Gaston, Captain Thomas E. Shaw, arrived at this city early on Saturday, from Florida. As

anticipated the gale which was experienced here, on Thursday and Friday last, did considerable

damage along the coast; a number of vessels have sustained much injury, while some have been

lost. Capt. Shaw informs us that the gale at Brunswick was very severe; and did much damage to

the town, blowing down the engine-house belonging to the Brunswick Railroad Company, a large

cotton shed, a blacksmith shop and a new frame house, and damaging more or less an number of

other buildings. The new railroad wharf , which had been built of Palmetto logs, has been washed

away, and was floating in the harbor, broken into pieces. The wharf above it has also been

destroyed. We are gratified to learn that no lives were lost.”96 Numerous shipwrecks were reported

including the Schooners, W. Mercer, blown ashore near Brunswick; G. W. Pickering six miles south

of Tybee; the Mary Ann, blown on her beam ends in St. Andrews Sound; An unknown schooner

near Darien and the SteamerPlanter was ashore opposite Brunswick. “On Thursday the winds was

very high at Jacksonville, and the water was blown over the wharfs, up into Bay Street...”97 At sea

several vessels were demasted and the schooner James House reported “A perfect hurricane.” for

24 hours near 29 North and the Gulf Stream. The Palmetto was beached off of Charleston Bar and

the Susan Cannon, took the blow off of Charleston. Winds at Charleston shifted from the N. E. to

S. E. to S. W. on the 20th and 21st.

Summary: The track for Storm 8, 1853, should be extended north along the east coast past

Charleston. This storm shows the value of local studies as the national approach taken by Partagas

and Diaz, missed details evident in the local records.

Year:1854

Date(s): 7-8 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - major hurricane

Lower Georgia - major hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - major hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Between Brunswick and Savannah

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 2, 1854. Dunn and Miller report for Florida, “minor

affects on land but was very severe offshore.” St. Augustine reported a northeast gale from the 5th

through the 9th shifting to northwest as the storm passed offshore. Jacksonville also reported gales

but no serious flooding on the river. Apparently, this storm was blocked by a high to it’s north and

then turned northward just offshore, as the high moved into the Atlantic. The storm then moved

inland on a north-northwest trajectory, and was very destructive from St. Simons Island northward

to Charleston. “Extraordinary tides” reported at Savannah and Charleston. Ho reconstructed this

event arriving at a 950 mb pressure and an RMW of 40 nmi.98 Extensive reports of damage exist

from the entire Georgia coast. The Journal of Hugh Fraser Grant adds some credence to the

likelihood of a large high pressure center to the north of the storm and a very slow movement, 

“6 ...Wind Fresh from N. E.

 7 ...Blowing a gale from N. E. Tides very high but no damage yet — Look for trouble this night

—
37

 8 Dreadful Gale. Everything under water break in 16, 22, 18 & Kesia Scipio Square. Every stack

in the field blown and washed away. Lost entire 110 Acres of Rice about 6,000 Bushels

 9 Heavy Clouds & Rain Thunder & Lightning most uncommon after a gale.”99

Summary: Such a well known event with so much overwhelming evidence as it could be a study

in its own right. This storm will be counted as a major hurricane for the upper Georgia coast, the

lower Georgia coast and all three coastal waters areas. It will count as a hurricane for northeast

Florida.

Year: 1856

Date(s): 31 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from near Panama City 

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 4, 1856, HURDAT Storm 5, 1856. Passed well inland across

Georgia causing gales along the coast. Ludlum notes that Savannah recorded, “...a heavy gale from

the southeast... ...considerable damage has been done to the trees and the roofing in the city, though

we have heard of nothing of a very serious nature...”100 Apparently, not a significant event for the

coastal area. From the journal of Hugh Fraser Grant, “31 Sunday Dreadful blow from S and S.

W.”101

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the upper Georgia coast.

Year: 1858

Date(s): 14-15 Sept

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Offshore

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 3, 1858. Passed well offshore to the south of St.

Augustine and progressed northward to New England. Not a significant event for the study area

as the path and descriptions noted by Partagas and Diaz indicate it was mainly an offshore event.

Summary: Will be counted as an offshore hurricane for the entire area.

Year: 1859

Date(s): 8 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Savannah?

Remarks: Only listed by Carter, “The wind reached hurricane force at Savannah at 2 PM. There

was great destruction and loss of life on Hutchinson’s Island.”102 Fernandez-Partagas and Diaz do

not list it in their reconstructions. Tannehill does list a storm at St. Kitts on the 2nd (HURDAT

Storm 3, 1859) and a second storm was reported over the North Atlantic south of Cape Race on the

12th (HURDAT Storm 4, 1859). It is possible this could be the same storm, however neither the

Savannah Republican or the Charleston Courier mention this event and no corresponding

shipwrecks can be identified. The apparent source for Carter’s report is a reference to it from an

1893 Savannah Morning News article.
38

Summary: A very dubious event. This storm will not be counted due to a lack of information on

this event, but is added for historical completeness.

Year: 1860

Date(s): 13-14 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Mississippi

Remarks: Partagas-Diaz/HURDAT Storm 1, 1860. The system passed offshore near Savannah.

No local references noted.

Summary: This storm will not be counted due to a lack of information on this event, but is added

for historical completeness.

Year: 1861

Date(s): 17-18 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Florida West Coast?

Remarks: Singer (1992) reports the loss of the confederate full rigged brig Jefferson Davis, 187

tons, grounded on the bar at St. Augustine during a gale on 18 August. This is likely the same

storm as Partagas and Diaz/ HURDAT Storm 2, 1861. The Jefferson Davis first ran into trouble

on the 17th and finally broke up on the 18th. Apparently, the gradient between a high to the north

and the hurricane transiting the Florida Straits caused gales as far north as St. Augustine. As the

storm is lost on the 17th it is also possible the storm recurved in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and was

transiting offshore on the 18th.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida and northeast

Florida coastal waters.

Year: 1863

Date(s): 17 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Offshore

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT, Storm 6, 1863. Passed well offshore and progressed

northward to North Carolina. Apparently, not a significant event for the study area, but caused

some shipping disruption.

Summary: Will be counted as a tropical storm for the offshore portions of the study area.

Year: 1865

Date(s): 23-24 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Offshore
39

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz, Storm 8, 1865, HURDAT Storm 7, 1863.

Passed well offshore, however it was a very large system, probably enhanced on the northern

extremities by high pressure to the north. Vessels reported a long duration of “hurricane” or “Gale”

conditions over the coastal waters. Most significant were the Petit just out of Savannah which

experienced a “very severe gale” for 56 hours, and the brig Alice Franklin near 31.4 North and 78.6

West encountered a “terrific gale” and was hove to on her beam ends for 12 hours.103

Summary: May have been a hurricane over the southern coastal waters, but more likely a tropical

storm based on descriptions of the event and the lack of shipwrecks along the coast.

Year: 1867

Date(s): 10 June

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): unknown - likely offshore

Remarks: Not listed by any commentator or HURDAT. Singer reports a sidewheel steamer, the

Taminend (formerly the Miantonomi), from St. Augustine and bound for Jacksonville, was

grounded on the St. Johns Bar (in the modern day St. Johns River Entrance) at 830 P.M. in a “full

gale” and that she broke up by 10 P.M.104

Summary: The intensity of the wave action and the fact that this was a steamer as opposed to a

sailing vessel makes it likely the gale was more than a local northeaster (wedge). Based on this

evidence this event was likely of tropical storm intensity.

Year: 1867

Date(s): 7-8 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Florida Coastal Waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Near Cedar Key?

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT, Storm 6, 1867. Storm passed offshore from Apalachee

Bay to Jacksonville-St. Augustine. Vessels offshore experienced a gale.

Summary: Likely a redevelopment or extratropical development as the storm moved offshore.

HURDAT’s maintenance of a tropical storm over the coastal waters appears warranted, however

it was likely below tropical storm intensity over the land areas.

Year: 1868

Date(s): 4-5 Oct

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Near Apalachicola.

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 2, 1868. Overland from the Gulf of Mexico with

gales at Savannah. Based on information noted by Partagas the system was apparently a tropical

storm for the study area; however, it may not have been tropical (or possibly sub-tropical) at the

time of passage. No further local information has been uncovered.

Summary: Will be counted as a tropical storm for the Upper Georgia coast as well as the adjacent

coastal waters.
40

Year: 1869

Date(s): unknown - July

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida Coastal Waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Unknown, possibly offshore

Remarks: Not noted by any of the commentators, Singer reports, the Steamer Crocket was

grounded near St. Augustine Lighthouse and was a partial loss.105

Summary: Will be counted as a tropical storm for the northeast Florida coastal waters.

Year: 1871

Date(s): 16-18 Aug

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Upper Georgia - hurricane

Lower Georgia - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Brushed coast near Cape Canaveral, then looped offshore and made landfall

near Saint Simons Island

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 3, 1871. Identified by Tannehill and Carter.

Apparently a weakening storm moving northward over the coastal waters. Partagas and Diaz, refer

to a report from the Bark Bridgeport which recorded a barometer of 28.10 inches/952 mb near

Jupiter. The storm made landfall in the area and recurved through the southeastern states.

Savannah wind speed was 72 mph from the north. Local newspapers hold extensive reports of the

storm, at Savannah, “...The wind blew apparently from every direction, the tops of the trees were

whipped about with a force almost equal to a tornado, they bent and whirled like reeds. It was not

periodic puffs that would come and then lull, giving one time to catch breath, but it was one

continuous blow without intermission.”106 At Jacksonville, the damage appears to be minor with

weaker structures damaged, structures unroofed with tidal flooding and strong wave action along

the river. It must be remembered that Jacksonville was an inland city and the entire coast was

strewn with wrecks from Cape Canaveral northward. Additionally, the articles at all sites indicated

an extended period of northeast winds prior to landfall once again highlighting the necessity for a

blocking ridge to the north of the study area to arrest the storms recurvature and turn it westward

into the coast.

Summary: Reports lend high confidence that hurricane force conditions existed over the study area

and this storm will be counted as a hurricane for all but the most inland areas.

Year: 1871

Date(s): 24-25 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm
41

Landfall Point(s): Near Cocoa

Remarks: Identified by Tannehill, Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT, Storm 4, 1871. Apparently an

intense hurricane in the Carribean which may be tracked back to the Cape Verde islands. Passed

inland to Tallahassee. Not a significant event for the study area. The Bark Hulda was lost 5 miles

southeast of St. Augustine light in an August Gale (Singer 1992), and it could be either this or the

above events. At Savannah, “Another Storm Rain in Torrents again – High Winds, &c., &c.

...For several days the weather has been cloudy, rainy and windy. Indeed, we have had but little

sunshine since the great storm of Saturday. Yesterday morning opened threatening; the wind was

quite brisk from the West or Northwest, accompanied by misty rain; during the day it veered around

to the North, Northeast and East, blowing at times with much severity... ...A few trees, severely

shaken by the wind on Friday night, yielded to it yesterday and came down to the ground...”

Additional shipwreck occurred along the Florida coast.

Summary: Reports lend high confidence that tropical storm force conditions existed over the study

area and this storm will be counted as a tropical storm for all but the most inland areas.

Year: 1871

Date(s): 6-7 Sept

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia Coastal Waters - tropical storm

Interior Southeast Georgia and interiorNorth Florida - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from the Florida Panhandle

Remarks: Identified by Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 6, 1871. Passed across Georgia

exiting the east coast. Heavy rainfall in Georgia and Florida.

From the Savannah Morning News, “The Season Of Storms. Perhaps never before in their history

have the states of Georgia and Florida been subjected to such a series of disastrous hurricanes and

rain storms as those which have deluged and torn up the country during the past four or five weeks.

Middle Georgia, which escaped any material damage, was on last Wednesday visited by a fearfully

violent gale, accompanied by an unusually heavy fall of rain. The same storm was felt in Southern

and SouthwestGeorgia., though much less violently, and in this section was characterized by simply

a heavy and continuous rain...”107

“Another Marine Disaster. The Brig Martha, Captain Cassiday, sailed from this port on the 7th

inst. For New Haven, Connecticut, lumber loaded. Reports that on Friday the 8th inst., when off

of Martian’s Industry light ship, took a hurricane, split mainsail and found the brig leaking so badly

that he was compelled to put all hands to the pumps... ...At 6 p. m. on Saturday the wind shifted

to the Southeast, and a tremendous cross sea was running. The vessel was still hove too. Monday

8 a.m. a moderate breeze from the northeast. Found by observation that he was in Lat. 31:50 long

79:40, and 70 miles East of Tybee...”108
42

Local records held at the National Weather Service at Jacksonville indicate that St. Augustine

reported a total of 21.5 inches of rain in August with an additional 23.9 inches falling in September,

largely due to Tropical systems. Wind records began in Jacksonville on September 11th and this

event was missed by several days. Additionally, it was not recorded by Davis at Jacksonville.

Summary: As the Martha was able to “heave to” (a storm evasion tactic used by sailing vessels

requiring a stay sail) and was not under “bare poles,” it is likely the storm was below hurricane

intensity at that location but was re-intensifying as it moved offshore. This storm will be counted

as a tropical storm for the interior southeast Georgia and Florida, and based largely on the report

of the Martha, and other vessels in distress east of Savannah, as a tropical storm for the Upper

Georgia coastal waters, but was likely below tropical storm intensity elsewhere.

Year: 1872

Date(s): 23-24 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Cedar Key

Remarks: Identified by Carter on the 25th, Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 5,1872. A minor

hurricane which passed from Cedar Key to Jacksonville and then offshore. May have intensified

offshore. The maximum wind at Jacksonville for October was 36 mph on the 7th so this system was

likely below tropical storm over the land areas; however, Jacksonville did report 5.94 inches on rain

on the 22-23rd. The Bark Cardenas encountered a fearful hurricane from the N. and N. E. on the

24th near 32 22 North and 77 04 West so the storm was evidently more severe offshore.

Summary: The storm track and marine reports indicate the system was likely of tropical storm

intensity over the offshore areas and it will be counted as a tropical storm.

Year: 1873

Date(s): 2 June

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Near Cumberland Island

Remarks: Identified by Tannehill, not listed by Carter, Davis or Dunn and Miller Partagas and

Diaz/HURDAT Storm 1, 1873, Apparently a minor storm and not a significant event for the study

area. Maximum wind at Jacksonville was northeast at 28 mph, and no evidence of tropical storm

force winds over the land areas is evident. Additionally there are no significant marine reports to

point to.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a very dubious tropical storm for the coastal waters, but

it was likely below tropical storm intensity.
43

Year: 1873

Date(s): 19 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Interior southeast Georgia -tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from the Florida Panhandle

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 3, 1873. Listed by Tannehill but not listed by

Carter or Davis. Maximum wind at Jacksonville SE at 32 mph, and the Signal Corps observer in

Savannah reported 60 mph at the storm’s peak. One of the nice aspects of this event is we have a

peak wind intensity indicated in the newspaper articles along with damage reports that are

commensurate with the damage that one would expect from a tropical storm. This lends credence

to the veracity of previous events which have been assigned hurricane intensity. From the Savannah

Morning News, “DAMAGE IN THE CITY. We are pleased to state that no considerable damage

to property and no loss of life was experienced in the city from the effects of the storm. The only

damage done was the leveling of some trees, fences, signboards, &c...”109

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for Georgia.

Year: 1873

Date(s): 23 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Tampa bay

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 4, 1873. Not listed by Carter or Davis. No reports

in the local press and the event was likely below tropical storm intensity.

Summary: This storm will not be counted due to a lack of information on this event, but is added

for historical completeness.

Year: 1873

Date(s): 6-7 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Southwest Florida

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 4, 1873. Highest Jacksonville wind 36 mph from

the north on the 7th; however the lowest Jacksonville barometer reading for October was 1014.3 mb

(date unknown). So, tropical storm intensity was unlikely over the land. The vessel Cleopatra

reported a hurricane lasting 13 hours over the northeast Florida coastal waters (29 25 N 79 20 W.)

with the wind from the north to north-northeast. Other nearby vessels also reported hurricane

conditions. It is believed that Partagas and Diaz’s report of the storm at “Lake City” more likely

refers to Lakeland in Polk County.

Summary: Based largely on the marine reports this system will be counted as a hurricane for the

northeast Florida coastal waters. It may have been a tropical storm over the Lower Georgia coastal

waters.
44

Year: 1873

Date(s): 16 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Savannah?

Remarks: Identified by Dunn and Miller and Carter (likely from the latter’s reference) some loss

of life reported.110 This could be confused with the September event. Neither Partagas and Diaz nor

HURDAT list this event.

Summary: This storm will not be counted due to a lack of information on this event, but is added

for historical completeness.

Year: 1874

Date(s): 28 September 

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Interior Southeast Georgia and Interior Northeast Florida - tropical

 storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Cedar Key

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 6, 1874. The storm exited along the northeast

Florida coast. Max wind at Jacksonville SW at 48 and 68 mph at Tybee Lighthouse (keeper report).

Lake city recorded a minimum pressure of 995.6 mb and Charleston 984.1 mb. Once again damage

reports from the Savannah area are commensurate with the wind intensity.

From the Savannah Morning News, “The Storm – Further Particulars – The situation at Tybee.

...TYBEE ISLAND A special telegram to the Morning News from Tybee gives the following

information in regard to the gale at that point. The day commenced with a heavy rain and blowing

a gale from the eastward. The tide rose so high that the island from the beacon light to the west end

was flooded to a depth of three feet. About ten o’clock the wind changed suddenly to the westward

and blew about 50 mph with heavy rain and hail. The storm was over in an hour, but at its height

the signal observer was unable to measure the velocity of the wind, his position being rather

perilous... ...The east wind washed away about fifty feet, and the high hills were leveled. The

lighthouse shook fearfully. The lighthouse keeper says he measured the wind during the gale and

that it was traveling at a rate of sixty-eight miles an hour.”111

Summary: This event was likely of tropical storm intensity over the land areas and Florida coastal

waters and of hurricane intensity over the Georgia coastal waters.
45

Year: 1876

Date(s): 16 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters -tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters -tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Well offshore

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 2, 1876. Listed by Davis and for the Carolina’s by

Tannehill. Max wind at Jacksonville, 22 mph from the northeast with a minimum pressure for

September of 1004.5. At Savannah, “The Storm. The expected equinoctial passed over the city

on Saturday night, but did no damage. The velocity of the wind at one time was forty-two miles

an hour. But it lasted only fifteen minutes. At Tybee the storm was quite severe, the maximum

velocity being forty miles an hour. The gale passed up the coast.”112

Summary: A hurricane well offshore with some impact over the land areas and local coastal

waters.

Year: 1876

Date(s): 20-21 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters -tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters -tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Well offshore

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 5, 1876. Not listed locally by Carter or Davis.

Jacksonville’s minimum pressure for October was 998.7 mb (date unknown) and a maximum wind

of 23 mph occurred on the 20th. No other reports from the shore areas. Offshore the Bark R. W.

Griffiths reported a hurricane from the E to N. N. W. lasting 6 hours near 32 20 N. and 78 30 W.

so winds over the coastal waters were at least of tropical storm intensity.

Summary: Possibly a hurricane over the coastal waters but more likely of tropical storm intensity.

Year: 1877

Date(s): 20-21 Sept

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Pensacola

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 2, 1877. Exited along the Georgia coast.

Apparently a minor storm and no significant information on this storm could be found. Not a

significant event for the study area.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for the study area, but is added for

completeness.
46

Year: 1877

Date(s): 3 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Apalachicola

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 4, 1877. Overland storm caused gales along the

Georgia coast. Not a significant event for the study area. Max wind at Jacksonville 27 mph from

the southwest; however, this position appears to have been shielded and the storm was somewhat

stronger along the coast.

At Savannah, “...At six p.m. yesterday the wind was traveling with a velocity of twenty-six miles

an hour, and at nine was booming at a rate of forty. ...The tide in the Savannah River is the highest

known in some years. The little wharves and landings opposite the city are completely submerged...

...The change in the wind last night and the high tides gives occasion for the apprehension that today

we will hear of serious loss caused by the overflow of the rice plantations on the river. The wind

changed to the southeast last night and blew big guns...”113

In Florida, “...There was eighteen feet of water on St. Johns Bar Tuesday and one more such high

tide will wash away Captain Jones cottage near the lighthouse... ...Jacksonville, Fla., October 3,

1877. – For several days a severe gale has been prevailing, checking the wheels of trade and

deluging the country...”114

Summary: Based on the above information the event will be counted as a tropical storm.

Year: 1877

Date(s): 26 Oct

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Cedar Key

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 7, 1877. Exited along the northeast Florida coast.

Apparently a minor storm and no significant information could be found. Not a significant event

for the study area.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for the study area, but is added for

historical completeness.
47

Year: 1878

Date(s): 11-12 July

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters -tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Offshore

Remarks: Tannehill and Davis both report this storm, yet Neuman et al and Fernandez-Partagas

both do not. Davis has proven to be a solid source for the dates of Tropical Cyclones.

From the Savannah Morning News, “On Thursday night about eleven o’clock, Palatka was visited

with a gale from the northeast with heavy rains. The storm lasted until daylight gradually bearing

to the southeast. The town was flooded with water, damaging to some extent bridges and the

foundation of some of the houses in Newtown...,”115 Maximum wind at Jacksonville E at 25 mph.

Possibly more severe over the coastal waters as the Schooner Sarah L Thomas, (196 tons) was

stranded in a storm, on the 12th, one half mile south of the St. Johns Bar.116

Summary: It appears likely that tropical storm force winds occurred over the coastal waters and

the wind shift at Palatka indicates an organized system. Therefore, it is suggested this event be

added to the HURDAT data base.

Year: 1878

Date(s): 11-12 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Upper Georgia - hurricane

Lower Georgia - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Passed just offshore

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 5, 1878. listed as minimal by Dunn and Miller with

13 wrecks along the northeast coast.117 Wrecks were strewn out from Cape Canaveral to Amelia

Island. Tracked by all sources as developing east of the Lesser Antilles. Lowest Jacksonville

barometer 29.19 inches/989 mb on the 11th. Produced northeast gales and the tide backed up into

the streets. Maximum wind at Jacksonville NE at 48 mph.

In 1878 a storm is reported as having destroyed the rice crop at Butler Island, leading to the decision

to abandon that property,118 and this storm was locally credited with producing the highest tide since

the September 8th 1854 event. It seems reasonable that this storm would be the leading suspect as

the high tides and swells are reported to have flooded the rice paddies. The storm was likely of

hurricane intensity over the coastal waters and along the Georgia coast and of tropical storm

intensity over northeast Florida. Using Ho’s equation a RMW of 25 nm, Jacksonville’s pressure

of 989 mb, an outer pressure of 1010 mb, and a distance from downtown Jacksonville of 75 nm

yields a central pressure of 976 mb at the storm’s closest point of approach to Jacksonville.

Summary: This storm likely caused hurricane conditions along the immediate coast and coastal

waters. Therefore, it will be counted as a hurricane for all of the study area, except inland locations.
48

Year: 1878

Date(s): 10 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Apalachicola

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 8, 1878. Rains reported in Savannah. Likely not

a significant event for the study area.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for the study area, but is added for

historical completeness.

Year: 1878

Date(s): 21-22 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Florida and Georgia coastal waters - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Well offshore

Remarks: Davis listed this storm. Neuman et. al. as well as Fernandez-Partagas and Diaz, Storm

11, 1878, track this storm well offshore. Maximum wind at Jacksonville NW 24 mph; however

several wrecks occurred along northeast Florida during this period. Singer reported that the iron

streamer, City of Houston (1,515 tons) was, “Hit by a hurricane Oct. 20, 1878, off Fernandina.

Started leaking on Oct. 22. Her fires went out on the 23rd and distress signals were fired. By 8 A.

M. she drifted over Frying Pan Shoals off Fernandina with 10 feet of water in her hold (Note: No

shoal by that name exists off Fernandina Beach, with Frying Pan Shoals, North Carolina the likely

possibility). The steamer Margaret rescued passengers and crew.”119 It seems more likely this

vessel was off of North Carolina. The Salvador was also demasted east of the St. Johns Bar in

October.

Summary: Due to the uncertainly of this event, the storm will not be counted but is included for

the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year: 1879

Date(s): 21 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Florida

Landfall Point(s): Overland from near Tampa Bay

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 5, 1879. Not indicated in the HURDAT Data. Likely not a

significant event for the study area. Jacksonville maximum wind velocity not recorded for that date,

however it had to be less than 12 mph as the monthly maximum speed wind recorded for that month

was 12 mph.

Summary: Due to the uncertainly of this event, the storm will not be counted as a tropical cyclone

for the study area, but is included for the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year: 1879

Date(s): 27 Oct

Principle Affected Area(s): Florida

Landfall Point(s): Overland from near Cedar Key
49

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 8, 1879. Likely not a significant event for the study area.

Jacksonville maximum wind velocity not recorded for that date, but less than 26 mph. No additional

local data available.

Summary: Due to the uncertainly of this event, the storm will not be counted, but is included for

the historical completeness.

Year: 1880

Date(s): 29 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida (South of St. Augustine) -tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near Cocoa Beach

Remarks: Center made landfall south of the study area. Listed as major by Davis, as well as Dunn

and Miller, who note it was “severe at Palm Beach - Okeechobee.”120 Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT

Storm 4, 1880. 68 dead near St. Augustine due to the wreck of the steamship Veracruz. Maximum

winds at Jacksonville NE at 32 mph, but the wind reached 64 mph from the NE at Cedar Key

(before the apparatus was disabled).

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida and as a hurricane

for the adjacent coastal waters, but mainly for the area below St. Augustine.

Year: 1880

Date(s): 8 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Florida and Coastal Georgia

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Apalachee bay

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 6,1880. Maximum winds at Jacksonville W at 24

mph and .3 inches of rain recorded. Cedar Key wind south at 30 mph. Likely a tropical depression

as it passed over north Florida.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida as no

supporting evidence for tropical storm intensity in the study area has been found. It is included for

the historical completeness.

Year: 1880

Date(s): 8 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): South of Cedar Key then passed offshore near St. Augustine
50

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 9,1880. Probably a tropical storm to minimal

hurricane at landfall. Violent gales were reported between Cape Hatteras and Jacksonville.

Maximum wind at Jacksonville was 36 mph from the SE, 52 mph at Savannah. Likely a tropical

storm as it passed over north Florida.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the study area, as HURDAT

maintains hurricane intensity too far to the northeast.

Year: 1881

Date(s): 27 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Between St. Simons Island and Savannah. Most likely made landfall on

Ossabaw Island

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 5,1881. A very destructive and somewhat

overlooked storm. Caused much destruction and killed 335 at Savannah. Dunn and Miller report

over 700 killed.121 Savannah lowest barometer 29.08 inches/985 mb at 9:20 PM. The wind

instrument blew away at 80 mph. This was likely a very tight storm with maximum winds just

south of the reporting station. Using Ho’s equation a RMW of 15 nm, Tybee’s pressure of 985 mb,

an outer pressure of 1010 mb, and a distance from Tybee of 15 nm yields a central pressure of 970

mb at the time of landfall. Based on modern storm surge modeling , a category two storm making

landfall at the time of high tide could inundate large portions of Tybee, Skidaway, Isle of Hope and

Whitemarsh Islands. This is may be an example of the worst possible case for a category two event

being realized. The storm turned sharply toward the west and may have been deepening on landfall.

The moon phase was waxing having been full on the 24th. Maximum wind at Jacksonville 30 mph,

but Violent gales reported offshore.

Summary: Possibly a major storm near Savannah but more likely a Cat two..

Year: 1881

Date(s): 6 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Cedar Key

Remarks: Listed by Davis, Tannehill, Dunn and Miller. Partagas and Diaz Storm 8,1881. Not

included in the HURDAT database Maximum wind at Jacksonville NE at 28 mph on the 5th.

Summary: Likely a Tropical Depression. This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for

northeast Florida as no supporting evidence for tropical storm or greater strength in the study area

has been found. It is included for the historical completeness of this chronology.
51

Year: 1882

Date(s): 10-11 September

Principle Affected Area(s): North Florida - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Near Pensacola

Remarks: Listed by Davis, Tannehill, Dunn and Miller. Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 2,

1882. Listed as a minimal hurricane at landfall.122 Maximum wind at Jacksonville SW at 36 mph.

Despite the distance from the point of landfall, a tornado apparently formed on an outer rainband

and moved through Darbyville (about 30 miles west of Jacksonville) on the 10th at 9:50 p.m. This

event killed one person, injured several and destroyed a number of houses.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida as no

supporting evidence for tropical storm or greater strength in the study area has been found. It is

included for the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year: 1882

Date(s): 11 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from near Cross City

Remarks: Listed by Tannehill, Dunn and Miller and Davis, Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm

5, 1882. Likely a tropical storm at landfall. Maximum wind at Jacksonville SE 44 mph, 56 mph

at Cedar key. In north Florida, Considerable damage was done to telegraph lines, wharves and

small boats, estimated damage was 5 or 6 thousand dollars (in 1882 dollars).

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the entire study area.

Year: 1884

Date(s): 10-13 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Near Sapelo Island

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 3, 1884. Developed off Cape Canaveral and made

landfall along the upper Georgia coast on 10-12 September Winds of tropical storm strength

experienced, not a significant event for the study area. Between the 15-18th unusually high tides

occurred on the St .Johns and did considerable damage to wharves and freight. This may have been

due to the gradient between the ridge to the north and a looping tropical cyclone offshore.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the upper Georgia coast and all three

coastal water areas.
52

Year: 1885

Date(s): 24-25 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Offshore of Florida and Georgia; Landfall as a major hurricane in South

Carolina.

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storm 2, 1885. Reported at Ruby (the original name for

Jacksonville Beach). Wind began from the northeast Sunday night and continued to increase until

9 am Monday when it switched to northwest and was estimated to be blowing at 60 mph with

hurricane force gusts.123 Wind NW at 56 mph at Tybee Island. Listed by Dunn and Miller as a

minimal storm. Maximum wind at Downtown Jacksonville W at 40 mph. The storm intensified

during it’s trek up the coast making landfall as a major hurricane in South Carolina.

Summary: This storm will be counted as an offshore hurricane for all three coastal waters areas

and as a tropical storm for all three coastal study areas.

Year: 1885

Date(s): 31 August; 21 September; 30 September

Principle Affected Area(s): North Florida, Georgia and the coastal waters - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Overland from the upper gulf coast.

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz/HURDAT Storms 3, 1885; 4, 1885; and 6, 1885. None have been

listed by Davis, who is usually reliable in his listing. A series of storms moved east-northeast long

the upper gulf coast and exited the mainland in the study area. Maximum wind at Jacksonville for

any of them was 30 mph from the southeast on the 29th of September. Heavy rains occurred over

the latter half of September with 19.63 inches falling.

Summary: None of these storms will be counted as a tropical storm for the study area as no

supporting evidence for tropical storm or greater strength in the study area has been found but they

are included for the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year: 1885

Date(s): 10-11 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm
53

Landfall Point(s): Overland from near Cedar Key.

Remarks: Listed by Davis, Partagas and Diaz Storm 8, 1885. Maximum wind 36 mph from the

south on the 12th, lowest barometer 29.42 inches/996 mb. Cedar Key winds SE at 48 mph,

barometer 29.19/988.5 mb with some street flooding. The storm moved north into coastal Georgia.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for the entire study area.

Year: 1886

Date(s): 20-21 June

Principle Affected Area(s): Interior North Florida - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Near St. Marks

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 2, 1886, (Note as the revised HURDAT database has not been

published past 1885 at this time will not refer to the old database in this document) not listed by

Davis for Jacksonville. Partagas reports, “winds at Cedar Key ‘came in Squalls, blowing at times

in the night at a rate of 75 to 90 mph, shaking the strongest house in town and prostrating trees,

telegraph poles and signs. Between 10 and 11 P.M. the wind blew from the E. at 68 mph’...”124

Likely effected the extreme western portions of the study area.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida, but really for the region

west of Gainesville and Lake City.

Year: 1886

Date(s): 29-30 June

Principle Affected Area(s): North Florida - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Apalachicola

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 3, 1886, not listed by Davis for Jacksonville. Gales at Cedar

Key and maximum wind of 36 mph from the south. Likely tropical storm gusts occurred in the

study area due to fringe effects.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida as no

supporting evidence for tropical storm or greater strength in the study area has been found. It is

included for the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year: 1886

Date(s): 19 July

Principle Affected Area(s): North Florida - not counted 

Landfall Point(s): South of Cedar Key

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 4, 1886, not listed by Davis for Jacksonville. Maximum wind

at Jacksonville less than 28 mph.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida as no

supporting evidence for tropical storm or greater strength in the study area has been found. It is

included for the historical completeness of this chronology.
54

Year: 1888

Date(s): 10-11 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Cedar Key

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 7, 1888, listed by Davis. An accelerating hurricane destroyed

the Beach House Hotel on Fort George Island. The hotel was never rebuilt. The storm is listed by

Dunn and Miller as being minimal, but the tide rose 9 feet in 30 minutes at Cedar Key, winds

estimated at 75 mph and with a barometer of 29.22 in/989.5 mb. Maximum wind at downtown

Jacksonville N at 38 mph, but certainly higher in gusts near Mayport, Barometer 29.64 inches/1004

mb.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida. The destruction

of the hotel may indicate hurricane conditions along the immediate coast.

Year: 1889

Date(s): 17 June

Principle Affected Area(s): North Florida - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Overland from near Cedar Key

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 2, 1889, not listed by Davis for Jacksonville. Winds at

Jacksonville were less than 28 mph as the peak wind that month occurred on the 28th.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida as no

supporting evidence for tropical storm or greater strength in the study area has been found but it is

included for the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year: 1891

Date(s): 10 October

Principle Affected Area(s): North Florida - not counted

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Sarasota

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 8, 1891, not listed by Davis for Jacksonville. Max winds for

October 1891 occur on the 22 at 24 mph, so apparently not a significant event for the study area.

Summary: This storm will not be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida as no

supporting evidence for tropical storm or greater strength in the study area has been found but it is

included for the historical completeness of this chronology.

Year: 1893

Date(s): 15-16 June

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Apalachee Bay

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 1, 1893, listed by Davis. Maximum wind at Jacksonville 44

mph from the SW with 1.51 inches of rain. Lowest Jacksonville barometer 1000.0 mb. Likely of

tropical storm strength as it passed the study area.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida and the entire

Georgia coast.
55

Year: 1893

Date(s): 27-28 August

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - Major hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - Major hurricane

Lower Georgia - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - Major hurricane

North Florida - hurricane

North Florida coastal waters - Major hurricane

Landfall Point(s): South of Tybee Island

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 6, 1893, listed by Davis.

One of the great weather related natural disasters. Up to 2,500 perished along the Georgia and South

Carolina coasts. Accompanied by a tremendous surge which completely submerged many of the

Sea Islands. This storm was sharply recurving offshore. It passed to the east of downtown

Jacksonville by 45-60 statute miles and offshore of St. Simons Island by 25-30 statute miles.

Jacksonville barometer was 29.04 inches/983.4 mb, based on local station records. 9 cottages

blown down at Mayport, may have destroyed the remains of the original lighthouse at Mayport. Dr.

Frances Ho, estimated a central pressure of 931 mb (making it a category four storm) at landfall.125

The Atlantic Hurricane Re-analysis Project has indicated a Category three landfall along the upper

Georgia coast with a minimum central pressure at landfall of 954 mb and a 23 nmi Radius of

maximum winds. Additionally, the storm made landfall coincident with the full moon phase the

moon reaching full at 3:42 am on the 27th.

Utilizing Ho’s central pressure relationship equation for this event, with the same RMW (as at

Savannah) of 23 nm, an outer pressure of 1010 mb, a Jacksonville minimum pressure of 983.4 mb,

and distance from downtown Jacksonville of 45 nm yields a central pressure of 943.5 mb at the

storm’s closest point of approach to Jacksonville. It seems unlikely that the storm was deepening

at the time of landfall as Ho’s analysis suggests, and the Re-analysis Project’s 954 mb landfall

pressure and a weakening trend prior to landfall seem more reasonable. As the North Florida and

Lower Georgia coastal areas were on the weaker western side of the storm it will be counted as a

minimal hurricane for those areas. Damage reports from the 1893 hurricane are very similar to

damage sustained in Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and it appears the 1893 event was a similar storm for

those areas.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the lower Georgia

coast and a major hurricane for the upper Georgia coast and all of the coastal water areas.

Year: 1893

Date(s): 12 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Offshore
56

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 9, 1893, listed by Davis. A major hurricane passed 60-90

miles offshore. Maximum velocity at downtown Jacksonville was reported to be 48 mph but the

storm was reported as more severe in Mayport. A storm tide was pushed up the St. Johns River

with the low tide near the normal high tide mark. Some street flooding in St. Augustine. Reports

from the Jacksonville weather office records indicate that “Mayport suffered severely.” Probably

similar to hurricane “David” in 1979 in relation to its effects in north Florida.

Summary: This storm will be counted as an offshore hurricane for all three coastal waters areas.

Year: 1894

Date(s): 26 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Key West, exiting south of St. Augustine

Offshore through the coastal waters to South Carolina

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 4, 1894, listed by Davis.

The broad eye of this hurricane apparently passed offshore near, or just south of, St. Augustine.

“...it suddenly died down for a moment and for a brief space the sky cleared and the sun endeavored

to shine. But the storm had not spent all its force...”126 The storm wrecked the framework of the

(under construction) Union Station train terminal. Winds in Jacksonville were tropical storm

strength (note winds listed by Partagas as NW at 48 mph in Jacksonville were corrected in station

records to 38 mph). All of the wharves and docks in Mayport were swept away and many structures

in Pablo Beach and St. Augustine suffered severe damage. The river tide was 3 feet above normal

high tide and streets were flooded. Local Jacksonville weather office station records report that

“Great damage was done at St. Augustine, Mayport and Pablo Beach.”

The minimum central pressure in Jacksonville was 29.27/991.2 mb. Bringing the center offshore

just south of St. Augustine would mean the CPA of this storm was 35 nm south of the station.

Using Ho’s equation a RMW of 25 nm, Jacksonville’s pressure of 991 mb, an outer pressure of

1010 mb, and a distance from downtown Jacksonville of 35 nm yields a central pressure of 973 mb

as it exited the Florida east coast.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for northeast Florida and the northeast

Florida coastal waters, mainly to the south of downtown Jacksonville.
57

Year: 1894

Date(s): 9 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Apalachicola

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 5, 1894, listed by Davis. Tropical Storm strength at

Jacksonville with maximum winds of 49 mph, (note winds listed by Partagas as 62 mph at

downtown Jacksonville were corrected in station records to 49 mph) gusts to 56 mph. Once again

from local station records, “Much damage was done but not as much as in September storm.

Damage to wharves and small boats about $5,000.”

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida as the study area

was on the fringes of the storm.

Year: 1896

Date(s): 29 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - major hurricane

Upper Georgia - hurricane

Lower Georgia - hurricane

Interior North Florida - major hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Overland from Cedar Key

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 4, 1896, listed by Davis. Dunn and Miller identify as a major

hurricane with 100 killed,127 but Ho does not reevaluate this event.

This accelerating and very asymmetrical storm moved inland north of Cedar Key and progressed

northward across Lake City, FL and Jesup, GA. The storm was moving rapidly ahead of a large

Polar air outbreak and has already been identified as major in the southeast Gulf of Mexico. Period

reports indicate this was a major event over land also. After the eye passed over Lake City the

winds there were estimated to be 150 mph,128 although that value must be used with extreme

caution. Tremendous destruction occurred in a 50 mile wide swath from Cedar Key to Savannah,

with most of the damage occurring east of the center. The center appears to have made landfall near

the mouth of the Suwannee River between 6 and 6:30 AM (Partagas brings the center onshore to

early) and passed across Fort White at 7:30 AM and Lake City around 8 AM. The center was later

identified at Guyton, Ga, west of Savannah, between 12:30 and 12:45 PM. This is an approximate

track distance of 215 statute miles and estimating a 7 hour transit time yields a forward motion

slightly in excess of 30 mph.
58

Maximum wind speeds at downtown Jacksonville were southeast at 70 mph (60 statute miles east

of the storm center). Period accounts of the 2 October 1898 hurricane indicate the 1896 hurricane

had a higher wind velocity at Darien, along the Georgia coast.129 Based on a best fit hurricane using

the SLOSH model, a central pressure of 960 mb with a 15 nm Radius of Maximum Wind is

indicated at landfall. This central pressure suggest a 115 mph from the Gulf of Mexico windpressure relationship (Landsea et. al. 2003). With a smaller than usual RMW for this central

pressure and latitude and a rapid forward motion (30-35 mph at landfall), winds are estimated at 125

mph at landfall. A 963 mb central pressure estimated via Ho's methodology for 12Z on the 29th

suggests 106 mph from the subtropical wind-pressure relationship - 115 mph chosen due to small

RMW and fast speed of motion although the hurricane is overland. Period reports of damage to

structures and forested areas are consistent with this estimate, suggesting this was a major hurricane

inland over northeast Florida. Surface analysis suggest an outer pressure of 1014 to 1016 mb would

be appropriate for this event.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a major hurricane for interior north Florida and

northeast Florida and a hurricane for all of the coastal waters areas.

Year: 1897

Date(s): 21 September

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - tropical storm

Upper Georgia - tropical storm

Lower Georgia - tropical storm

Northeast Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Upper Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Overland from SW Florida

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 3, 1897, listed by Davis. Maximum wind at downtown

Jacksonville 36 mph from the northeast. No hurricane force winds along the coast, but possibly

offshore. Maximum wind at Jacksonville 40 mph from the northeast. Local station records indicate

that 5.45 inches of rain fell in 24 hours on the 20-21st.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a tropical storm for northeast Florida and the entire

Georgia coast.

Year: 1898

Date(s): 30-31 Aug

Principle Affected Area(s): Upper Georgia - hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Savannah

Remarks: Not listed by Tannehill. Dunn and Miller reported the center passed over Tybee Island.

Partagas and Diaz Storm 2, 1899, not listed by Davis. A small but vicious hurricane with a

maximum wind velocity of 84 mph at Tybee Island. Roofs were ripped off houses and extensive

flooding occurred.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a hurricane for the upper Georgia coast.
59

Year: 1898

Date(s): 2 October

Principle Affected Area(s): Northeast Florida - hurricane

Upper Georgia - major hurricane

Lower Georgia - major hurricane

Northeast Florida coastal waters - major hurricane

Upper Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Lower Georgia coastal waters - major hurricane

Landfall Point(s): Cumberland Island

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 7, 1898, listed by Davis. A major hurricane event with landfall

on central Cumberland Island. Moving on a due west course similar to “Dora” in 1964, but

intensifying on landfall much like Hugo (1989). Dunn and Miller reported 179 killed in coastal

Georgia.130 Severe impacts in Florida were restricted to the extreme northeast portion of the state.

The Fernandina waterfront was heavily damaged with a possible 12' storm surge. It was reported

that 4 feet of water flowed into the office of the local newspaper, The Mirror. "The water invaded

every building as high as Third street." The Cumberland Island Pilot Boat MAUD HELEN was left

20 feet high on a bluff at High Point, with a 16 foot storm surge in downtown Brunswick. This

event caused the storm surge of record for most points in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.

Ho re-evaluated this event as being a 945 mb storm with an RMW of 24 nmi.

131 A subsequent reevaluation by Sandrik and Jarvinen (1999) determined a central pressure of 938 mb and a radius of

maximum winds of 18 nmi.132 These values were derived based on multiple SLOSH runs to

determine a best fit hurricane from observed storm surge values.

Summary: This storm will be counted as a major hurricane for the entire Georgia coast as well

as all of the coastal waters areas and a hurricane for Northeast Florida (though approaching major

hurricane status in Fernandina). Clearly this event compares favorably to Hurricane “Hugo” of

1989.

Year: 1899

Date(s): 5-6 October

Principle Affected Area(s): North Florida coastal waters - tropical storm

Lower Georgia coastal waters - tropical storm

Landfall Point(s): Near Tampa

Remarks: Partagas and Diaz Storm 6, 1899, listed by Davis. Maximum winds at Jacksonville

below tropical storm force. The Schooner, John H. Tingue, (552 tons) struck the beach at

Cumberland Island on October 5th, during the storm and the Schooner, John R. Anidia (32 tons)

sank in Fernandina on October 6th during a strong gale.133

Summary: The marine information indicates that a gale of sufficient intensity to wreck two

schooners within 24 hours was occurring near the Florida-Georgia state line.
60

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the following people for their support, contributions, assistance or

advice in the production of this Technical Memorandum: Steven Letro, Meteorologist In Charge,

and Dr. Pat Welsh, Science and Operations Officer, NWSFO Jacksonville; Dr. Richard Pasch, Dr.

Jack Beven, Colin McAdie, Brian Jarvinen and Joan David, Tropical Prediction Center/National

Hurricane Center; Dr. James Elsner, Florida State University; Buddy Sullivan, Manager NERR,

Sapelo Island, Georgia, Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources; and Noel Charles and Lenworth

Woolcock of the NOAA Hurricane Research Division.

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Barnes, Jay, Florida’s Hurricane History, University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill and

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Bullard, Mary R., Robert Stafford of Cumberland Island: Growth of a Planter, 1986, E. O. Painter

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1492-1994, 1995, NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-47.

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Meteorology (Vol I), Dallas, Texas, 10-15 January 1999, Pg 475-478.
62

Sandrik, Al, Landsea Christopher, and Jarvinen Brian, The North Florida Hurricane of 29

September 1896, A Historical Case of Extreme Inland High Winds, Pre-prints 24th

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Simpson, Robert H. and Riehl, Herbert, The Hurricane and its Impact, 1981, Louisiana State

University Press, Baton Rouge and London, ISBN 0-8071-0688-7.

Sugg, Arnold L., Pardue, Leonard G. and Carrodus, Robert L., Memorable Hurricanes of the

United States Since 1873, 1971, NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR-56.

Sullivan, Buddy. Early Days on the Georgia Tidewater: the story of McIntosh County and Sapelo,

1990, The Darien News, Darien, Georgia, ISBN 0-9625808-0-5.

Tannehill,Ivan. Hurricanes Their Nature and History, 7

th edition, 1950, Princeton University Press.

Torres, Louis, Historic Resource Study Cumberland Island National Seashore Georgia and

Historical Structure Report Historical Data Section of the Dungeness Area, 1977, Denver

Service Center, Historic Preservation Division, National Park Service, United States

Department of the Interior, Denver, Colorado.

Waterbury, Jean Parker, Editor, Buker, George E., Bushnell, Amy, Dow, Robert N. Jr., Graham,

Thomas, Griffin, John W., Griffin, Patricia C., Schafer, Daniel L., Waterbury, Jean Parker.

The Oldest City, St. Augustine Saga of Survival, St. Augustine Historical Society, 1983,

Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number: 83-50479. ISBN 0-961-2744-1-7.

Ward, James Robertson, Old Hickory’s Town, An Illustrated history of Jacksonville, 1st Edition,

1982, Florida Publishing Company, Jacksonville, Florida. Library of Congress Catalogue

Number: 82-083296.

Zubillaja, S. I., (Rome, English translation by Lawson, E. W.), Father Pedro Martinez (1533-

1566), The First Jesuit Blood in the North American Missions, Year Unknown. Held by the

St. Augustine Historical Society.

Newspapers:

East Florida Herald, Various issues 1825-1837.

Fernandina Mirror, Oct. 3, 1898.

Florida Times Union, August 27-Sept. 2, 1893; Sept. 20-30 1894; Sept. 30-Oct. 7, 1896; Oct. 1-7,

1898.

Jacksonville Courier, Vol III, Aug 3-17, 1837. Original documents, Jacksonville Public Library.

New York Times, Oct. 1-6, 1898.

Periodicals:

El Escribano, St. Augustine Historical Society, Volume 2, 28 October 1984, The diary of Kingsley

Beatty Gibbs, Pages 54-87.

Florida Historical Quarterly, Volume IV, 1925, The Nine Old Wooden Forts of St. Augustine,

Conner, Jeanette Thurber, Pg 171-172.

Georgia Historical Quarterly, Volume XXXIII, March 1949, Pg 228, Letters of John Floyd, 1813-

1838.

South Carolina Historical Quarterly, Volume XXXIII, 1932 pages 22-25, Josiah Smith Diary.
63

1. Millas, Jose Carlos, Hurricanes of the Carribean and Adjacent Regions, 1492-1800, 1968,

Academy of the Arts and Sciences of the Americas, Miami, Florida, Page 82.

2. Zubillaga, Felix S. I. -- Rome, translated by E. W. Lawson, Father Pedro Martinez (1533-

1566) The First Jesuit Blood in the North American Missions. Page 19. (Document held by the

St. Augustine Historical Society).

3. Marotti, Frank, “Storm Winds That Fulfill His Word:” Tempests, The Jesuits and the

Evangelization of Florida 1566-1572. Pages 6-7 (Document held by the St. Augustine Historical

Society). 

4. Zubillaga, Felix S. I. Page 20.

5. Marx, Robert and Marx, Jenifer, New World Shipwrecks 1492-1825, 1994, Ram Publishing

Company, P. O. Box 38649, Dallas, Texas 75238, ISBN 0-915920-84-0. Pages 225-6.

6. Marotti, Frank, Page 19.

7. Marx, Robert and Marx, Jenifer, Page 226.

8. Ibid., Page 227.

9. Ibid., Page 227.

10. Conner, Jeanette Thurber, The Nine Old Wooden Forts of St. Augustine, Part II, Florida

Historical Quarterly, 1925, Vol IV, Page 172.

11. Chatelain, Verne e., The Defenses of Spanish Florida 1565 to 1763, Carnegie Institution of

Washington Publication 511, Washington D.C., 1941, Page 54.

12. Waterbury, Jean Parker, Editor, Buker, George E., Bushnell, Amy, Dow, Robert N. Jr.,

Graham, Thomas, Griffin, John W., Griffin, Patricia C., Schafer, Daniel L., Waterbury, Jean

Parker. The Oldest City, St. Augustine Saga of Survival, St. Augustine Historical Society, 1983,

Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number: 83-50479. ISBN 0-961-2744-1-7, Page 39.

13. Waterbury, et al, Page 48.

14. Marx, Page 230.

Web Sites:

Atlantic Hurricane Re-analysis Project: http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/index.html

HURDAT: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastall.html A Reevaluation of the Georgia and

Northeast Florida Hurricane of 2 October 1898 Using Historical Resources:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jax/research/hurricanes/history/1898/index.html

NOTES
64

15. Waterbury, et. al; Page 58.

16. Royal Officials to Spanish Crown, 15 October 1674, Stetson Collection AGI-1-35/17

17. Ludlum, David M., Early American Hurricanes 1492-1870. Page 46.

18. Bullard, Mary R, and Wood, Virginia Steele, Journal of a Visit to the Georgia Islands of 

St. Catherines, Green, Ossabaw, Sapelo, St. Simons, Jekyll, and Cumberland, with Comments on

the Florida Islands of Amelia, Talbot, and St George, in 1753, MERCER UNIVERSITY PRESS

In Association with the Georgia Historical Society. Page 14.

19. Ibid., Page 29.

20. Ibid., Page 32.

21. Singer, Steven D., Shipwrecks of Florida, A Comprehensive Listing, Pineapple Press, Inc..

P.O. Drawer 16008, Southside Station, Sarasota, Florida 34239, 1992, ISBN 1-56164-006-9,

Page 168.

22. Letter from, Gov. James Stetson to Lord Hillsbourgh, 6 Nov 1769, Reference CO 5-551.

23. Marx, Page 243.

24. Romans, Bernard, A concise natural history of East and West Florida, New York, 1776, Page

4.

25. South Carolina Historical Quarterly, Volume XXXIII, 1932, Josiah Smith Diary, Page 24.

26. Ludlum, Page 50.

27. Marx, Page 246.

28. Ibid., Page 247.

29. Ibid., Page 327.

30. Ludlum, Page 56.

31. Marx, Page 327.

32. Charleston Courier, Thursday, October 2, 1806.

33. St. Augustine Record, “The Compass”, Thursday, September 8, 1988, Page 9. Article by Ms.

Susan Parker.

34. Charleston Courier, Monday, October 21, 1811.

35. Charleston Courier, Monday, October 12, 1811.
65

36. Patrick, Rembert W., Florida Fiasco, Rampant Rebels on the Georgia-Florida Border 1810-

1815, 1954, University of Georgia Press, Athens, Page 204-5.

37. Carter, Horace S., Georgia Tropical Cyclones and Their Effect on the State, 1970. ESSA

Technical Memorandum EDSTM 14, Page 13.

38. Letter by Commodore Hugh G. Campbell to the Secretary of the Navy, 18 Sept. 1813,

Reprinted in The Niles Weekly Register - Events of the War, Volume V, Page 119.

39. Savannah Republican and Savannah Evening Register, Tuesday Evening August 19, 1817.

40. Sullivan, Buddy. Early Days on the Georgia Tidewater: the story of McIntosh County and

Sapelo, 1990, The Darien News, Darien, Georgia, ISBN 0-9625808-0-5, Page 124.

41. Robert Durfee’s Journal and Recollections of Newport, Rhode Island, Freetown,

Massachusetts, New York City & Long Island, Jamaica & Cuba, West Indies & Saint Simons

Island, Georgia ca. 1785-1810. Edited by Virginia Steele Wood, 1990, NOTES, Page 101.

42. Sullivan, Buddy. Early Days on the Georgia Tidewater: the story of McIntosh County and

Sapelo, Page 127.

43. Ibid, Page 210.

44. Ibid., Page 156.

45. Ludlum, Page 118.

46. East Florida Herald, St. Augustine, Tuesday Evening, Oct. 4, 1825.

47. Ludlum, Page 121.

48. Ibid., Page 194.

49. East Florida Herald, St. Augustine, 17 Sept. 1835, reprinted from a letter written on 10

August 1835 and printed in the Albany Evening Journal.

50. Ludlum, Page 125.

51. The Courier, Jacksonville, Florida, 3 August 1837. Interestingly enough this paper has not

been micro-filmed, but three copies remain in existence in the Jacksonville Main Public

Library’s “Florida Room”, August the 3rd, 10th and 17th of 1837, just the three necessary to

reconstruct the events around Jacksonville.

52. The Courier, Jacksonville, Florida, 10 August 1837.

53.Savannah Republican, Monday, August 14, 1837.
66

54. East Florida Herald, St. Augustine, Saturday, August 12, 1837.

55. Ludlum, Page 126.

56. Ludlum, Page 127.

57. Grant, Hugh Fraser, Planter Management and Capitalism in Ante-Bellum Georgia, The

Journal of Hugh Fraser Grant Ricegrower, 1954, Columbia University Press, New York. Page 88.

58. Savannah Republican, September, 1, 1840.

59. Savannah Republican, September, 4, 1840.

60. Ludlum, Page 195.

61. Grant, Page 90.

62. Grant, Pages 90-1.

63. Savannah Republican, Sept 17, 1841.

64. El Escribano, The Diary of Kingsley Beatty Gibbs, Saint Augustine Historical Society, 271

Charlotte Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. Volume Twenty-One, Page 79.

65. Grant, Page 93.

66. Dunn, Gordon E. and Miller, Banner, Atlantic Hurricanes, 2nd Edition, 1964, Louisiana

University Press, Library of Congress Catalogue Number: 64-21598, Page 314.

67. Ludlum, Page 149. Large portions of the reference cited seem to have come from the The

News, October 8th, 1842, Page 2, a second St. Augustine newspaper then in existence. As

newspapers frequently republished each other’s work this may be the original source of the East

Florida Herald Story cited by Ludlum.

68. El Escribano, The Diary of Kingsley Beatty Gibbs, Page 80.

69. Grant, Page 95.

70. Ho, Frances, P.. Extreme Hurricanes in the Nineteenth Century, 1989, National Weather

Service, Silver Spring, MD. NWS HYDRO 43. Contract # EMW-84-E-1589, Page 76.

71. Ludlum, Page 148.

72. El Escribano, The Diary of Kingsley Beatty Gibbs, Page 80.

73. Grant, Page 95.

74. Ho, Page 125.
67

75. Grant, Page 101.

76. St. Augustine News, Tuesday, September 10, 1844.

77. Ho, Page 81.

78. Ludlum, Page 153.

79. Davis, Frederick, History of Jacksonville, Florida and Vicinity, 1925, The Florida Historical

Society, Page 83, “The First Bulkhead.”

80. Grant, Page 107.

81. Ludlum, Page 195.

82.Grant, Page 111.

83. Ludlum, Page 154.

84. Ho, Page 88.

85. Grant, Page 111.

86. Savannah Republican, Friday September 29, 1848.

87. Grant, Page 111-2.

88. Savannah Republican, Saturday October 14, 1848.

89. Tannehill, Ivan. Hurricanes Their Nature and History, 7

th edition, 1950, Princeton

University Press, Page 254.

90. Savannah Republican, Monday, August 25, 1851.

91. Ibid., Thursday, August 28, 1851.

92. Ibid., Wednesday, September 22, 1852

93. Grant, Page 117.

94. Savannah Republican, Monday, October 11, 1852.

95. Grant, Page 119.

96. Savannah Republican, Monday, October 24, 1853.

97. Ibid., Monday, October 24, 1853.
68

98. Ho, Page 30.

99. Grant, Page 120.

100. Ludlum, 173.

101. Grant, Page 123.

102. Carter, Page 15.

103. Partagas, Jose Fernandez-, and Diaz, Henry F., A Reconstruction of Historical Tropical

Cyclone Frequency in the Atlantic from Documentary and other Historical Sources, (1995-

1997), Part I, Storms of 1865-1870, Page 21. Climate Diagnostics Center, Environmental

Research Laboratories NOAA.

104. Singer, Page 174.

105. Ibid., Page 174.

106. Savannah Morning News, Saturday, August 19, 1871.

107. Ibid., Monday, September 11, 1871.

108. Ibid., Tuesday, September 12, 1871.

109. Ibid., Monday, September 23, 1873.

110. Carter, Page 15.

111. Savannah Morning News, Wednesday, September 30, 1874.

112. Ibid., Monday, September 18, 1876.

113. Ibid., Thursday, October 4, 1877.

114. Ibid., Friday, October 5, 1877.

115. Ibid., Tuesday July 16, 1878.

116. Singer, Page 176.

117. Dunn and Miller, Page 315.

118. Carter, Page 15.

119. Singer, Page 177.

120. Dunn and Miller, Page 315.
69

121. Ibid., Page 312.

122. Ibid., Page 315.

123. Florida Times Union, Thursday, August 27, 1885.

124. Partagas, Jose Fernandez-, and Diaz, Henry F., A Reconstruction of Historical Tropical

Cyclone Frequency in the Atlantic from Documentary and other Historical Sources, (1995-

1997), Volume III, Pages 37-8. Climate Diagnostics Center, Environmental Research

Laboratories NOAA.

125. Ho, Page 53.

126. Florida Times Union, Saturday, September 29, 1894. Page 1.

127. Dunn and Miller, Page 316.

128. Florida Times Union, Wednesday, September 30, 1896. Page 1.

129. Darien Gazette, October 8, 1899, as reprinted in Sullivan, Buddy. Early Days on the

Georgia Tidewater: the story of McIntosh County and Sapelo, 1990, The Darien News, Darien,

Georgia, ISBN 0-9625808-0-5, Page 819. “The severest storm which has visited Darien, ‘the

oldest inhabitant’ says, since 1824, swept over this section with terrible force on Sunday last. 

While it was not quite as hard a blow as the one on September 29th, 1896, it was much longer

and did more damage by long odds.” To further illustrate to the power of the 1896 hurricane at

Darien we again refer to Sullivan, Page 511, “..on September 28-29, 1896, the coast of Georgia

sustained another severe hurricane... ...Richard Grubb noted that this 1896 hurricane was ‘the

severest storm by which Darien was ever visited ... When at last the storm subsided, the little city

of Darien presented a lamentable spectacle. Everywhere destruction and ruin were visible. Trees,

bits of carpentry, tin roofs all lay piled in a conglomerated mass about the streets.’” Every

building in the town of Darien was damaged in some manner, and the 1898 hurricane only

exceeded this event due to storm surge.

130. Dunn and Miller, Page 312.

131. Ho, Page 65.

132. Sandrik, Al and Jarvinen, Brian, A Reevaluation of the Georgia and Northeast Florida

Tropical Cyclone of 2 October 1898, Pre-prints 23rd Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical

Meteorology (Vol I), Dallas, Texas, 10-15 January 1999, Pg 475-478.

133. Singer, Page 182.