1899 Pilot Chart of the North Atlantic Ocean
By: Capt. J.E. Craig
Date: June, 1899 (dated) Washington D.C.
Dimensions: 23 x 32 inches (58.5 x 81.3 cm)
This is an interesting nautical chart of the North Atlantic from a series which was published monthly by the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office in Washington D.C. The justification for publishing these charts on a monthly basis was to account for seasonal changes that would alter the typical direction and strength of wind and ocean currents, areas of fog, range of glaciers, rainfall variations, etc. Therefore, maps such as this are loaded with data and content which one would need when navigating the North Atlantic.
The map details storm tracks, shipwrecks, icebergs and ice fields, waterspouts, and drifting buoys in red. The shaded blue area off the coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland identifies area with a high probability of fog that is also a region prone to drifting icebergs. This is in fact the very spot where the Titanic would strike an iceberg and sink just thirteen years later. The pilot chart also includes an inset map showing the typical path of tropical cyclonic storms along the eastern seaboard as well as another inset map showing the most up-to-date data for isobars and isotherms measured the month prior to the publication of the map.
Condition: This map is in B+ condition with a signature in purple and darkened paper in the top right quadrant. The map was folded as issued but now lays flat.
Inventory #12154
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