List of Atlantic hurricanes in the 18th century facts for kids

The List of Atlantic hurricanes in the 18th century tells us about all the known big storms, called tropical cyclones, that happened in the Atlantic Ocean between the years 1700 and 1799. Even though we don't have all the details for every single storm, some coastal areas had enough people living there to record when these powerful hurricanes struck.

Early 1700s: Storms from 1700 to 1724

Many strong storms hit the Atlantic coasts in the early 1700s. People living in places like Charleston, South Carolina, and the Caribbean islands often faced these powerful winds and floods.

The Rising-Sun Hurricane of 1700

In September 1700, a huge hurricane hit the coast of South Carolina. A Scottish warship called the Rising-Sun was trying to enter Charleston Bay but couldn't because of a sandbar. The ship had already been damaged by another storm. When the hurricane hit, the ship was pushed onto the beach and broke apart. Everyone left on board drowned. Only 15 passengers who had gone ashore earlier survived. Charleston was badly damaged and flooded by this fierce storm.

The Great Storm of 1703 in England

In December 1703, a super powerful storm, possibly from an Atlantic hurricane, hit England. It was the strongest wind ever recorded in modern English history at that time. It caused more deaths and damage than any storm before or since. A third of the British Navy fleet sank during this storm, and thousands of people died.

Florida Treasure Coast Hurricane of 1715

This hurricane struck near the Bahamas and Florida in July 1715. A fleet of twelve Spanish treasure ships, loaded with gold, silver, and jewels, was leaving Havana, Cuba. The hurricane caught them, sinking three ships in deep water and wrecking the rest along the Florida coast. The fleet captain and over a thousand sailors drowned. This area off Florida is now called the "Treasure Coast" because of the millions in treasure still hidden there from this storm.

The New England Hurricane of 1716

In October 1716, a hurricane with strong winds and heavy rains affected Eastern Massachusetts, including Boston and Martha's Vineyard. It caused a lot of damage, even though it might not have made a direct landfall.

Great Louisiana Hurricane of 1722

This powerful hurricane hit the Lesser Antilles in September 1722, then moved to Jamaica, and finally struck Louisiana. It was the first big storm in the region with detailed reports. It almost completely destroyed New Orleans, which was a new city at the time. The storm brought 15 hours of hurricane-force winds and an 8-foot storm surge, causing widespread flooding. The French settlement on Santa Rosa Island, Florida, was also washed away. This storm even caused Mobile, Alabama, to move from its old location to where it is today.

The Great Gust of 1724

In August 1724, a violent tropical storm, known as "The Great Gust," hit the Chesapeake Bay area in Virginia and Maryland. It destroyed almost all the tobacco and corn crops. Many homes were wrecked, and ships were pushed ashore. Just five days later, another hurricane hit the same area, causing many days of rain and more floods. These two storms were some of the most important tropical storms to affect the Mid-Atlantic during the colonial period.

Mid-1700s: Storms from 1725 to 1749

The middle part of the 18th century also saw many hurricanes, affecting islands in the Caribbean and the growing colonies along the American coast.

Port Royal Devastation in 1726

In November 1726, a small but powerful hurricane hit Port Royal, Jamaica. It sank about 50 ships and caused a lot of damage to the town.

The New England Hurricane of 1727

A strong hurricane hit Rhode Island, Connecticut, and eastern Massachusetts in September 1727. It caused a lot of damage, knocking down many trees, harming buildings, and washing ships ashore in ports. The center of the storm likely passed over eastern Massachusetts, causing severe destruction in Essex County.

The Woodes Rodgers Hurricane of 1729

This hurricane was the first major storm reported to cause serious damage in the Bahamas. It hit Nassau in early August 1729, just before the first royal governor, Woodes Rodgers, arrived. The storm blew down most of the houses on the island, making it hard for the local government to do its work.

Florida Keys Treasure Fleet Hurricane of 1733

In July 1733, a hurricane struck a fleet of 22 Spanish treasure ships trying to cross the Bahamas Channel. The storm sank or grounded 13 ships between Elliott Key and Key Vaca in the Florida Keys. One of these sunken ships, the Pedro, is now an underwater historical site. This event was one of the biggest shipping disasters at sea.

Hurricane Santa Rosa of 1738

This hurricane hit Guadeloupe, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic in August 1738. It caused damage to farms and many homes in Puerto Rico, crossing the entire island.

Ben Franklin's 'Eclipse Hurricane' of 1743

This storm, which hit Jamaica, the U.S. East Coast, Philadelphia, and Boston in October-November 1743, was special because it happened during a total lunar eclipse. It was the first tropical storm in American history to be studied with scientific tools. Ben Franklin noticed that the storm started at different times in Philadelphia and Boston. He figured out it must have been the same storm moving northward. This was a big step in understanding how storms work.

The Coastal Hurricane of 1749

In October 1749, a very strong hurricane hit Jamaica, then moved to North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. It caused severe flooding, high tides, and tree damage. Winds were also felt in New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. It was one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the Mid-Atlantic region, producing a huge 15-foot tidal surge. This storm helped Ben Franklin confirm his idea that coastal storms move from the southwest and are often preceded by winds from the northeast.

Later 1700s: Storms from 1750 to 1770

Hurricanes continued to impact the growing settlements and shipping routes across the Atlantic.

Great Hurricane of 1752

In September 1752, one of the most severe hurricanes in colonial times hit the Charleston area in South Carolina. It was as strong as other major hurricanes that hit the area much later in 1804 and 1893.

The Second Hurricane of 1752

Just weeks after the first one, another severe hurricane hit Havana, Cuba, then moved up the Carolina coast to Wilmington, North Carolina, and even reached Nova Scotia. This storm, from September to October 1752, was also considered one of the worst to hit Charleston in colonial times.

Pensacola and Santa Rosa Island Storm of 1752

In October-November 1752, a large hurricane struck northwest Florida, hitting Pensacola and Santa Rosa Island. It destroyed almost all buildings, washed away dunes and a village. Because of this, the Spanish settlement was moved across the bay to what is now Pensacola.

The Gulf Hurricane of 1766

In September 1766, a strong storm hit Galveston, Texas. It destroyed five Spanish treasure fleet ships, though their crews and goods were saved. A Spanish mission and fort on the lower Trinity River were also destroyed. This storm was so strong that Galveston didn't see another like it until 1818.

Hurricane San Marcos of 1766

This hurricane passed over Guadeloupe in October 1766, sinking twelve slave ships and killing everyone on board. It also devastated Martinique, ruining its sugarcane farms. One family affected was Joseph Tascher's, who lost everything. He sent his daughter, Rose Tascher, to France. She later married Napoleon Bonaparte and became Josephine. The hurricane then crossed Puerto Rico, affecting the entire island.

Hurricane San Cayetano of 1767

In August 1767, a powerful hurricane struck Martinique, drowning 1,600 people from its storm surge. It then hit Puerto Rico, causing major flooding and crop damage. This is one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes on record.

Havana Hurricane of 1768

In October 1768, a hurricane hit Havana, Cuba, destroying 96 public buildings and over 4,000 houses. Sixty-nine ships were wrecked. Over 1,000 people died in this storm.

The Great Chesapeake Bay Hurricane of 1769

This hurricane made landfall near New Bern, North Carolina, in September 1769, leaving the town in ruins as tides rose 12 feet above normal. The storm's eye passed close to Williamsburg, Virginia. Many old houses in eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia were destroyed, especially around Williamsburg, York, Hampton, and Norfolk, due to 13 hours of strong winds. It also caused widespread damage to Stratford Hall, a famous plantation.

Late 1700s: Storms from 1770 to 1799

The end of the 18th century brought some of the deadliest and most historically significant hurricanes, especially during the American Revolutionary War.

Hurricane San Agustin of 1772

Also known as "Bernard Roman's Gulf Coast Hurricane of 1772," this strong hurricane passed through the Leeward Islands in August 1772, leaving very few houses standing in Nevis. It then crossed Puerto Rico, causing severe damage, and hit Hispaniola. Finally, it made landfall near Mobile, Alabama, causing severe flooding and destroying many ships. At least 280 people died from the storm surge and hurricane effects.

The Alexander Hamilton Hurricane of 1772

This hurricane, also called "Hurricane San Ramón of 1772," impacted Barbados, Antigua, and other Leeward Islands in August 1772. It struck St. Kitts and Nevis, causing considerable damage and flattening many houses. The eye of the hurricane moved over St. Croix. Alexander Hamilton famously wrote about this storm, which impressed people in St. Kitts so much that they raised money for him to get an education in the American colonies. This helped launch his career as an American Founding Father. This storm is even mentioned in the musical Hamilton.

The Newfoundland Hurricane of 1775

Also known as the "Independence Hurricane of 1775," this was the deadliest known Atlantic hurricane at the time, killing over 4,000 people, mostly off Newfoundland, Canada, due to storm surge. It moved onshore in North Carolina and traveled up through Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New England. A storm surge of 20 to 30 feet was reported in Newfoundland, destroying many ships and drowning sailors. This storm is still Canada's deadliest natural disaster.

The Pointe-à-Pitre Guadeloupe Hurricane of 1776

In September 1776, this hurricane killed over 6,000 people in Guadeloupe, making it the deadliest known hurricane before it. It also hit Martinique and Antigua. The storm struck a large group of French and Dutch merchant ships, sinking or grounding 60% of them. It made its final landfall in Louisiana.

The Great Chesapeake Bay Hurricane of 1778

Known as the "Ordering of Providence Hurricane of 1778," this storm prevented a naval battle between the British and French during the American Revolutionary War. It caused their fleets to separate as the hurricane moved up the coast from the Bahamas to North Carolina and New England.

Dunbar's New Orleans Hurricane of 1779

In August 1779, a hurricane hit Havana, Cuba, then moved to Louisiana. All but one warship in a Spanish fleet were sunk off the coast. Ships in New Orleans harbor were pushed far inland, and many houses were destroyed. William Dunbar, who was in New Orleans, estimated the storm's center passed directly over the city. From this experience, Dunbar was one of the first to understand that hurricanes revolve around a central "vortex" and move forward.

The Deadliest Hurricane Season of 1780

The 1780 Atlantic hurricane season was incredibly destructive and is still the deadliest Atlantic hurricane season ever recorded, with over 25,000 deaths. Four different hurricanes, three in October and one in June, each caused at least 1,000 deaths. This has never happened again.

The St. Lucia Hurricane of 1780

In June 1780, this hurricane first struck St. Lucia, killing between 4,000 and 5,000 people. It then moved to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, causing more deaths and losses.

The Savanna-la-Mar Hurricane of 1780

This hurricane, in October 1780, sank the British transport ship Monarch, killing hundreds of Spanish prisoners and the entire crew. It then destroyed the port of Savanna-la-Mar in Jamaica. A 20-foot storm surge engulfed onlookers, docked ships, and many buildings. In nearby towns, hundreds more died. It also sank several British warships.

The Great Hurricane of 1780

This is the deadliest known hurricane in Atlantic history, killing between 20,000 and 27,500 people. It hit Barbados on October 10, possibly with winds over 320 km/h (200 mph), making it an extreme Category 5 hurricane. Barbados was completely destroyed, with almost all buildings and farms ruined. The winds were so strong they stripped bark off trees. It also severely affected St. Vincent, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Martinique, and St. Eustatius. During the American Revolution, it caused huge losses to British and French fleets. It later passed near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, then sank 50 ships in Bermuda.

Solano's Hurricane of 1780

In October 1780, a powerful hurricane in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico struck a Spanish war fleet of 64 vessels on its way to attack Pensacola, Florida. Of the 4,000 men on board, 2,000 died. The hurricane made landfall near Pensacola, Florida, around October 21.

The Central Atlantic Hurricane of 1782

In September 1782, a hurricane hit the fleet of British Admiral Thomas Graves as it sailed across the North Atlantic. It is believed to have killed about 3,000 people.

The Charleston Hurricane of 1783

Charleston, South Carolina, experienced heavy rain and wind from this cyclone in October 1783. It was the strongest tropical storm reported in Charleston since 1752. Extensive damage was also seen in North Carolina. Norfolk and Portsmouth reported a "25-foot tide" that caused damage.

The Equinoctial Storm of 1785

This storm impacted the coastline shortly after the autumn equinox in September 1785. It led to the "highest tide ever before known in Norfolk." It caused a strong gale in Portsmouth, Virginia, and several ships were driven ashore. This storm, along with another one in 1785, led to the building of the Cape Henry lighthouse, which opened in 1792.

George Washington's Hurricane of 1788

In July 1788, George Washington reported from Mount Vernon a "very high northeast wind" that sank ships and blew down trees. He called it "a more violent and severe a hurricane than for many years." The storm caused the highest known tide in the Potomac River.

Hurricane San Roque of 1788

Martinique was hit by this hurricane in August 1788. It then moved to Dominica, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and finally New England. This hurricane caused 600-700 reported deaths.

The Great Cuba Hurricane of 1791

In June 1791, a powerful storm hit Havana, Cuba, killing at least 3,000 people and 11,700 cattle, mostly due to storm surge. This is one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes on record.

Twin North Carolina Hurricanes of 1795

In late July and early August 1795, two strong hurricanes hit North Carolina and Virginia just ten days apart. The first brought heavy rain, disrupting mail and damaging crops. The second, a major hurricane, caused even more flooding and crop damage. Thomas Jefferson recorded these hurricanes in his journal, noting heavy crop losses at his Monticello plantation. The two storms caused the Appomattox River to rise more than 12 feet above flood stage.

The Charleston Hurricane of 1797

In October 1797, Charleston, South Carolina, experienced heavy rain and wind from this cyclone. It was considered the strongest tropical storm in Charleston since the 1752 and 1783 storms, and several ships were lost.

See also

• Lists of Atlantic hurricanes
• Atlantic hurricane season