used "Gulf of Mexico" on his map "View of Entire Route of Sir Francis Drake's West Indian Voyage." A 1630 map called the body of water "Gulf of New Spain." The Spanish name evolved into Seno Mexicano.

If the currents in the Gulf are running east-west, as they often are, the water looks brown. Although geographically closer, the Sabine and Atchafalaya rivers contribute their fair share but play ...

With the United States now recognizing the Gulf waters as the “Gulf of America” and not the “Gulf of Mexico,” digital map creators are deciding how best to reflect the name change for their users.