Paths of West Indian Hurricanes for 46 years: Cravens, Darqan & Co., 1933

This exceedingly rare vintage hurricane tracking map covers the western Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and surrounding regions, detailing the historical trajectories of hurricanes that formed or passed through the West Indies between 1887 and 1932. It was intended for use in insurance risk assessment, marine navigation planning, and understanding hurricane patterns in hurricane-prone areas.

The hurricane paths, labeled by year, are depicted as curving lines—primarily in red and green—showing the typical routes storms took from the region of the Cape Verde Islands, through the Caribbean, across the Gulf of Mexico, and often along the U.S. East Coast. Latitudinal and longitudinal gridlines provide geographic precision, and the map features an ornate compass rose, an illustrated cherub pointing to the Cape Verde Islands, and a decorative baroque-style title cartouche, all in a muted color palette that reflects printing aesthetics of the 1930s. As an early scientific and commercial artifact, this map represents the collaborative effort to catalog nearly half a century of hurricane data before the era of satellite meteorology, serving as both a tool for industries reliant on weather knowledge and an example of classic early twentieth-century cartographic design.

Background on Creator

Cravens, Darqan & Company was an influential insurance management and brokerage firm based in Houston, Texas, active from at least the 1920s through the late twentieth century. Specializing in both personal and commercial insurance solutions, the company played a prominent role in risk management services, particularly for businesses along the Gulf Coast vulnerable to natural disasters. Notably, Cravens, Darqan & Co. produced hurricane tracking maps in partnership with government meteorological agencies to aid clients in assessing and preparing for storm risks. The firm occupied a prominent office building in Houston and contributed significantly to the city’s business and architectural history. Although the company ultimately merged, closed, or restructured in the early 21st century, its legacy endures through historical records and references in Houston’s insurance and business communities.

Rarity

Cravens, Dargan & Company hurricane tracking maps from the early 20th century are rare and sought after by collectors due to their limited production, survival rate, and historical significance. Finding an original, well-preserved example today is uncommon, making them valuable artifacts for those interested in Gulf Coast weather history and vintage cartography.