Google Maps to Change Name of Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America”
Google Maps will soon showcase the name “Gulf of America” instead of the traditional “Gulf of Mexico” for U.S. users following President Donald Trump's recent directive for the name change. The tech giant announced this significant alteration on Tuesday in line with its policies regarding contested geographical names handling.
The company stated that it has a consistent practice of implementing name modifications from official government sources, particularly reflecting the Geographic Names Information System cGNISc for U.S. locations. Once the GNIS updates to feature “Gulf of America” and “Mount McKinley” instead of “Mount Denali,” Google Maps will be promptly updated to reflect these adjustments.
This change accords with Google’s enduring practice to display the official local name of a geographical feature when official names diverge between nations. Consequently, U.S. Google Maps users will see the moniker “Gulf of America,” while Mexican users will continue to see the name “Gulf of Mexico.” Users from other countries will witness both names concurrently on the map.
The move to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America comes amidst a broader and more pronounced effort initiated by the Trump administration to reaffirm American heritage and honor notable historical figures. President Trump's decision to revert the name of North America’s tallest peak from Denali to Mount McKinley underscores this sentiment, celebrating the legacy of the nation’s 25th president, William McKinley.
President Trump's executive actions have also spurred discussions around conducting a comprehensive review of historical landmarks to ensure they accurately reflect the nation's cultural tapestry. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, an integral entity responsible for standardizing geographic names, will be an important player in this initiative.
The Board, operational since 1890, convenes representatives from numerous federal agencies, ensuring a nuanced and inclusive approach to geographic naming decisions. Their commitment to honoring historical roots and diverse cultural perspectives shapes the narrative of geographical features nationwide.
Mount McKinley, now set to regain its historical title, traces its legacy back to the Alaskan Koyukon Athabaskans, who revered it as “deenaalee,” representing a sacred connection to their roots. The complex history of geographical naming in the U.S. reflects a rich tapestry of identities and narratives woven into the nation's topography.
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort led by various stakeholders to review and rectify offensive or outdated geographical names. This ongoing dialogue highlights the importance of a name as a cultural marker and a reflection of historical narratives.
The renaming of landmarks like Mount McKinley to align with indigenous designations underscores a broader shift towards recognizing and respecting diverse cultural identities. As the Board on Geographic Names continues to navigate these intricate naming processes, it's imperative to uphold inclusivity and respect for the rich tapestry of American history and culture.
The evolving discourse on geographic naming serves as a testament to the enduring significance of names and their power to shape our collective understanding of the landscapes we inhabit. Google's update to reflect the name “Gulf of America” signifies a step towards acknowledging and honoring diverse perspectives within our geographical lexicon.
