1935 Labor Day hurricane
The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 was the strongest tropical cyclone during the 1935 Atlantic hurricane season. The second tropical cyclone, second hurricane, and second intense hurricane of the season was the most intense Atlantic hurricane that affected the United States, and it remains the first of three Category 5 hurricanes that struck the country. After forming as a weak tropical storm east of the Bahamas on August 29, it slowly proceeded westward, became a hurricane on September 1, and underwent rapid intensification prior to striking the upper Florida Keys on September 2. After landfall at its peak intensity, it continued northwest along the Florida west coast, and it weakened prior to landfall near Cedar Key on September 4.
| Category 5 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Formed | August 29, 1935 |
|---|---|
| Dissipated | September 10, 1935 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 160 mph (260 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 892 mbar (hPa); 26.34 inHg |
| Damage | $6 million (1935 USD) |
| Areas affected | Bahamas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia |
| Part of the 1935 Atlantic hurricane season | |
The large and strong hurricane caused severe damage in the upper Florida Keys, and a storm surge about 18 to 20 feet affected the region. The hurricane's strong winds destroyed most of the buildings in the Islamorada area, and many World War I veteran workers were killed by the storm surge. Portions of the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad were severely damaged or destroyed. The hurricane also caused additional damage in northwest Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. In total, more than 400 people were killed.
1935 Labor Day Hurricane Media
Florida East Coast Railway Overseas Railroad relief train derailed near Islamorada
Destruction of the Caribee Colony
Church destroyed at Islamorada
Cremations and burials on Florida Keys following hurricane of Sept. 2, 1935 (including civilians and veterans)
Collection of hurricane victims
Sept. 7, 1935, Cremation of hurricane victims, Snake Creek
Sep. 8, 1935, Mass burial at Woodlawn Park Cemetery
Letter, Rettew to von Brauchtisch, RE release of Kennamer Report, March 26, 1968
Dedication of Florida Keys Memorial, Nov. 14, 1937
Other websites
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory
- Images of historic Florida Hurricanes (State Archives of Florida)
- Florida Keys History Museum
- Major Daniel C. Main killed in Hurricane Archived 2007-10-13 at the Wayback Machine
- Monroe County listings at National Register of Historic Places
- Florida Keys Memorial Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine at Florida's Office of Cultural and Historical Programs
- List of 56 victims Archived 2008-02-12 at the Wayback Machine
