Irene Aloha Wright: The Remarkable Woman Who Unlocked the Spanish Side of American and Caribbean History
This article originally appeared in Sea History. In 1926, the Hispanic American Historical Review reappeared after a four-year hiatus. Founded in 1916 to focus on Latin American scholarship, it lost its financial backing in 1922 and lay dormant until picked up by Duke University Press years later. Newly confident and secure in their jobs, the […]
Holiday Traditions Along the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast is a region rich in history, culture, and community spirit, and its holiday traditions reflect this unique blend. From the vibrant festivals of the past to modern celebrations that bring people together, the Gulf Coast’s holiday customs offer a window into its diverse heritage and enduring sense of togetherness. Whether you’re in […]
The Pastry War
This article originally appeared in Sea History. They called it the Pastry War. But instead of a charming pâtisserie as the setting, delighted children and bemused adults as the participants, and flying chouquettes, croissants, éclairs, and macrons as the projectiles, it featured a gray harbor fort, serious military men, steam warships, and exploding artillery shells. […]
A Day in the Life of 19th-Century Gulf Sailors
The 19th century was a transformative era for maritime trade and exploration, and the Gulf was no exception. Sailors navigating its waters were an integral part of a booming network of trade routes connecting the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean. Life aboard a vessel in the Gulf was demanding, characterized by long hours, rigorous physical […]
They Called Us River Rats
This article originally appeared in the French Quarter Journal. A fascinating new book by long-time resident Macon Fry explores life along the last batture community in New Orleans. – by John Sledge – photos courtesy Macon Fry, Betsy Shepherd and University Press of Mississippi It begins in dramatic fashion during the predawn hours of February […]
Exploring the Gulf’s Underwater Ecosystems
Coral Reefs, Seagrasses, and Beyond Beneath the shimmering surface of the Gulf lies a world teeming with life and wonder. Stretching across 600,000 square miles, the Gulf is home to a vast array of underwater ecosystems that support an incredible diversity of species. From vibrant coral reefs to sprawling seagrass meadows, these habitats not only […]
Marcel Giraud’s Definitive Histories of French Louisiana
This article originally appeared in the French Quarter Journal. Diligently working for half his life, a meticulous French scholar laid a firm foundation for all future researchers in the multi-volume “The History of French Louisiana.” — By John S. Sledge I first encountered Marcel Giraud’s work in the spring of 1987. My friend Johnnie Andrews […]
From Shrimp Boats to Oil Rigs: The Evolving Maritime Economy of the Gulf
The Gulf, a vibrant body of water bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, has been a cornerstone of maritime activity for centuries. Its rich resources and strategic location have supported livelihoods, fueled economies, and driven technological advancements. From the early days of shrimp boats dotting the coastline to the towering oil rigs that […]
A Rousing New Anthology: The Gulf South
This article originally appeared in the French Quarter Journal. Even regional literary connoisseurs are likely to discover new favorites in the first powerhouse anthology of Gulf Coast environmental writing, edited by Tori Bush and Richard Goodman. -by John S. Sledge In his elegiac 2007 book, Terra Incognita: Photographs of America’s Third Coast, Richard Sexton wrote […]
Biodiversity and Ecosystem of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta
The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, located in southern Alabama, is a sprawling labyrinth of rivers, creeks, marshes, and bayous. This delta, often dubbed “America’s Amazon,” is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the United States. Spanning over 260,000 acres, it serves as a critical ecological hotspot, supporting a staggering array of plant and animal […]