1946 McGregor Hurricane Map of the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern United States

This is a 1946 Angus McGregor hurricane map of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern United States. The map is a fascinating infographic achievement, tracking Atlantic hurricanes for over 20 years, from 1924 through 1945. Issued for commercial distribution and advertising, the map's also underscore a nation fascination with the powerful and destructive tropical storms.

A Closer Look

Ninety-three red lines trace hurricane tracks from 1925 through 1945. Each track is numerically identified and corresponds with a table situated along the right border. Organized numerically, the table includes the month and year of each hurricane. Text at left offers an explanation of cyclones, which they state 'may be used to mean any one of several wind systems characterized by circular air currents which move inward around an up-current of warm air at a place of low atmospheric pressure'.

Publication History and Census

This map was created by Angus H. McGregor and published by the Caribbean and Coast Map Company in 1946. The present example was distributed compliments of A. Earle Clark and Son Incorporated. McGregor would sell these maps to businesses who then distributed them as advertising. He began publishing these maps in 1931 and published editions through at least 1968. This is the only known cataloged example of the 1946 edition. We are aware of only two other cataloged examples of any edition of McGregor's hurricane map. An example of the 1949 edition is part of the collection at the University of Alabama and an example of the 1955 edition is part of the collection at the Jacksonville Public Library.