The year was 1812; America was fighting an immense conflict. While the winds of war were brewing, so were the winds of one of the largest hurricanes to ever hit New Orleans. But somehow, perhaps because the war took precedence, history has seemed to absorb the event and it has became forgotten; until now. A geographer from the University of South Carolina, Dr. Cary Mock, has recreated the event and mapped it out by using old maritime records and historical documents. The area, just being purchased from France, had very little records kept, so this became a very daunting task. Though due to the war going on, British naval ships kept excellent logs while blockading America, and became the number one source of information during Mock’s 18 month reassembly.
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| The mapped out Hurricane of 1812, which would actually be more tragic that Hurricane Katrine if it were to strike today. |
The hurricane would have ranked actually weaker than Hurricane Katrina, but it would have hit the city head on. If it were to occur today, which is possible, it would be the worst case scenario. The article points out that geographic makeup of the area is completely different now than it was in 1812. The sea level was lower, and the city was higher; both of which have reversed. There were also wetlands that surrounded the city than have since become populated. These changes would have acted as a buffer in 1812, but today would welcome devastation with open arms.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110205143630.htm
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