The Year Without a Summer in 1816 New England

One event in New England’s climate history stands out with chilling clarity: The Year Without a Summer in 1816. Weather reports say it snowed six inches on the sixth of June.

Another Snowstorm in June 1816.Photo byFlickr – Kitties.

An Icy Introduction

Unbeknownst to the inhabitants of New England at the time, their summer-less year resulted from a geophysical event occurring half a world away. A powerful eruption from Mount Tambora in Indonesia unleashed a colossal amount of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, significantly altering global weather patterns.

In New England, the manifestation of this climatic anomaly was a summer that bore the chilling hallmarks of winter. Ice and snow persisted, crops withered, and people's lives were fundamentally disrupted. As scientists have since discovered, it was a year that was a testament to the inextricable link between our planet's atmospheric chemistry and weather patterns.

The Arrival of an Endless Winter

The spring of 1816 was marked by typical balmy weather, giving no indication of the unusual conditions to follow.

As summer set in, however, New Englanders soon faced an extraordinary circumstance. The usual warmth was replaced with piercing cold. Snow fell in June. Six inches were reported in some areas on the 6th. Frost persisted through July and August. The summer days were filled with a chilling gloom, the sun obscured by a mysterious "dry fog."

Reports of that year document unseasonable frost damaging the year's crops. Corn, a staple crop of New England, was hit hard. Many livestock starved due to the lack of feed, which resulted in a sharp increase in food prices and subsequent famine-like conditions for many families. The year was filled with hardships as the relentless cold weather impeded travel, commerce, and basic survival.

The only crop that did well was the sap from maple trees used to make maple syrup, which many traded for what food they could get, mostly mackerel, rabbit, and other wild animals.

Impact and Legacy

The sudden and profound effects of the 'Year Without a Summer' significantly impacted New England's socio-economic landscape.

Religious revivals surged as people sought solace and answers in spiritual realms. A widespread out-migration from New England to the Midwest resulted in a significant demographic shift.

This unique year also played a pivotal role in inspiring advances in science and art. The bizarre weather phenomena stirred a global scientific inquiry into the causes of such drastic climatic variations. This helped pave the way for modern climatology.

“Members of Congress seemed insensitive to the suffering of the people and voted to double their own salary. It didn’t go over well. Nearly 70 percent of incumbent U.S. representatives were voted out of office – including Daniel Webster.” — The New England Historical Society.

On a more creative front, the gloomy weather and general melancholy inspired famous works of literature. Perhaps most notably, the dreary summer conditions provided the backdrop for Mary Shelley's creation of her iconic novel Frankenstein.

Reflecting Back

The 'Year Without a Summer' is a stark reminder of our planet's inherent dynamism and the susceptibility of human societies to its whims.

It demonstrates the need for humanity to respect the force of nature and to learn, adapt, and grow from such trials. As we look towards our future, where climate change is becoming a critical concern, the lessons from 1816 - about resilience, adaptation, and the profound interconnectedness of our world - resonate more than ever.

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About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.