US Territory on the Gulf of Mexico in 1783: Treaty of Paris Boundaries

Yes—The 1783 Treaty Included Gulf Coast

The Treaty of Paris (1783) ending the American Revolutionary War defined US boundaries as:

• North: Great Lakes / 49th parallel (later clarified)
• South: 31st parallel north — **including Gulf of Mexico coastline**
• East: Atlantic Ocean
• West: Mississippi River

Gulf Territory Specifically

The US claimed the Gulf coast from the **Apalachicola River (East Florida boundary)** west to the **Mississippi River** — encompassing:

• West Florida (south of 31°N, including Mobile, Pensacola)
• Natchez District (Mississippi River east bank)

Complications

• Spain captured West Florida (1781) and claimed 32°28'N as north boundary
• Dispute resolved 1795: Pinckney's Treaty set 31°N — US gained undisputed Gulf coast to Mississippi
• Spain held New Orleans (west bank) until 1803 Louisiana Purchase

So in 1783...

The US **claimed** Gulf territory per treaty, but **Spain controlled** West Florida militarily. Full US control came in stages: 1795 (treaty), 1798 (Mississippi Territory), 1803 (Louisiana Purchase), 1819 (Adams-Onís Treaty for Florida).