Life at Sea: What Was It Like for Sailors in the 1800s?
The 1800s were a defining century for life at sea. Sailors powered global trade, exploration, fishing, and warfare during an era when oceans were the primary highways connecting continents. Yet life aboard a 19th‑century vessel was far removed from the romance often associated with tall ships and distant horizons. For the men—and in rare cases, […]
Protecting Our Waters: Conservation Challenges in the Gulf
The Gulf is a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem, supporting a diverse array of marine life, vital industries, and cultural traditions. Stretching over 600,000 square miles and bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, this body of water is integral to the economic and environmental health of the region. However, it faces an array of […]
How Ships Navigate the Ocean: Past vs. Present
For as long as humans have taken to the sea, navigation has been one of the greatest challenges of maritime life. Knowing where you are, where you are going, and how to get there safely has determined the success—or failure—of voyages for thousands of years. From reading the stars and watching the waves to relying […]
How Maritime Innovations Shaped Gulf Coast Communities
The Gulf Coast of the United States, a region brimming with cultural diversity, economic vitality, and natural beauty, owes much of its identity to its maritime heritage. Over centuries, innovations in maritime technology and infrastructure have profoundly influenced the Gulf Coast’s communities, transforming small fishing villages into bustling ports and driving economic and social development. […]
Marine Science & Environment in the Gulf
The Gulf, a vast body of water bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, is one of the most ecologically and economically significant regions in the world. It is home to a rich diversity of marine life, vital habitats, and some of the most productive fisheries on the planet. At the same time, it […]
History of the Port of Mobile
The Port of Mobile is one of the oldest and most important ports in the United States. Situated at the head of Mobile Bay where the Mobile and Tensaw Rivers meet the Gulf, the port has served for centuries as a gateway between inland America and the wider world. Its history reflects the broader story […]
Sunk But Not Forgotten: The Stories Behind WWII Shipwrecks in the Gulf
The Gulf, with its rich history and strategic importance during World War II, is home to numerous shipwrecks that serve as underwater time capsules. These wrecks, remnants of naval battles, submarine attacks, and wartime logistics, tell the stories of courage, loss, and resilience. As German U-boats prowled the Gulf waters and Allied forces scrambled to […]
History of Shipbuilding in the United States
Shipbuilding has played a central role in the development of the United States, shaping its economy, defense, and maritime identity. From Indigenous watercraft and colonial wooden vessels to steel warships and modern commercial fleets, American shipbuilding reflects the nation’s ingenuity, resources, and evolving relationship with the sea. The story of shipbuilding is also a human […]
DIY Maritime Crafts Inspired by Gulf Coast Traditions
The Gulf Coast is a region rich with maritime heritage and cultural traditions. From colorful coastal art to functional nautical tools, the Gulf’s maritime history offers endless inspiration for creative projects. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of the coast to your home or seeking fun activities to do with family and friends, these […]
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 […]