The 1875 Albert's Swarm: Massive Locust Invasion That Devastated Western U.S.
By
thunderbong
Fresh out the oven, still warm. Top of the tray.
Summary
Albert's swarm was a massive concentration of Rocky Mountain locusts that devastated the Western United States in 1875, covering an estimated 198,000 square miles. Named after physician Albert Child who calculated its size, the swarm caused widespread agricultural destruction, with historical records describing it as 'the year of the grasshopper' when crops were destroyed and people faced starvation. The article details the swarm's impact, historical context, and eventual extinction of the Rocky Mountain locust species.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledIt was the year 1875 that will long be remembered as the year of the grasshopper
The grasshoppers came in such numbers as to darken the sun, and they ate every green thing in sight
The crops were destroyed, and the people were left without food
Albert Child calculated the size of the swarm to 198,000 square miles (510,000 km²) by multiplying the swarm's estimated speed with the time it took for it to move through southern Nebraska
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