Map of the Track of the Tornado of April 30th 1852 (Historical Map)

Map of the Track of the Tornado of April 30th 1852

This map shows what is referred to as the first scientific study of a tornado’s path and the first conclusive proof that tornadoes are an inward, upward, and onward moving column of air. In his article, Chappelsmith notes that people living five miles north of the storm continued to plough their fields during the whole time. The tornado’s track was one mile wide and sped from New Harmony to Leavenworth in 1.5 hours, averaging sixty miles per hour and toppling trees at the rate of seven thousand per minute. Primarily based on his detailed examination of these prostrated trees left in the storm’s wake, he concludes that the “phenomena are incompatible with the rotary hypothesis. . . . I am inclined to believe in Professor Espy’s idea of an ascensional column . . .” [pp. 10–11].

John Chappelsmith

Accompanying his article “Account of a Tornado near New Harmony, Ind., April 30, 1852, with a Map of the Track, &c.”

Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge (Washington, D.C.)

1852

Engraving,

English

From Golconda Illinois, to Wabash River across Indiana & the Ohio River to Georgetown Kentucky, U.S

John Chappelsmith

Atlas sheet as part of ccompanying his article “Account of a Tornado near New Harmony, Ind., April 30, 1852, with a Map of the Track, &c.” in Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge (Washington, D.C.) 7 (1855)

Engraving, 55x74cm

Historic Maps Collection

http://libweb5.princeton.edu/visual_materials/maps/websites/thematic-maps/quantitative/meteorology/chappelsmith-map.jpg

1955

1952