Maryland’s winter of 2018 has been pretty cold, indeed. When the temperatures are freezing, sometimes I’ll say things to myself like, “At least I don’t live in Antarctica.” It doesn’t actually make me feel better, but for a moment, I realize that things could be worse. After reading the following article, you’ll be thankful that you didn’t have to live through the winter of 1912. What we’ve dealt with this year pales in comparison…
This year, many parts of the Chesapeake Bay froze over and it was a newsworthy ordeal. However, this wasn’t first time the bay has been icy and it probably won’t be the last.
Flickr / Scott Pitocco
Maryland’s nippiest winter ever was in 1912. A cold wave settled over much of the US, including Maryland and northern Virginia. Temperatures dropped drastically, causing the Chesapeake Bay to form solid sheets of ice.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
In a time before many had heat, the cold was bitter and deadly.
Wikimedia Commons
How cold are we talking, exactly? Well, temperatures reached -2 degrees Fahrenheit in Baltimore, but that’s only the beginning.
Wikimedia Commons
Surrounding cities had it even worse. Hagerstown, Frederick, and College Park all had recorded temperatures in the negative 20’s.
Flickr / 1sock
The lowest recorded temperature that year was in Maryland’s chillest city of Oakland. One day, it was a jaw-dropping -40 degrees Fahrenheit. I’m shivering just thinking about it.
Flickr / karmablue
So when you’re cursing this winter, just remember that it pales in comparison to the cold wave of 1912. Hopefully, we’ll never have to experience anything that drastic any time soon.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
For a look back at another snowy year in the Old Line State, click here!
Flickr / Scott Pitocco
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr / 1sock
Flickr / karmablue
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