Spokane in Spokane County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

John Robert Monaghan

Ensign United States Navy

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 1, 2015

1. John Robert Monaghan Marker

Inscription. Erected A.D. 1906
By the citizens of his native State.
Commemorative of
John Robert Monaghan
Ensign United States Navy
Born Chawelah, Washington, March 26th, 1873.
Graduated Annapolis, June, 1895.
Slain near Apia, Samoa, April 1st, 1899.
During the retreat of the allied forces from the deadly fire and overwhelming number of the savage foe, he alone stood the fearful onslaught and sacrificed his life defending a wounded comrade Lieutenant Philip V. Lansdale United States Navy.

Erected 1906 by Citizens of Washington.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1899.

Location. 47° 39.515′ N, 117° 25.605′ W. Marker is in Spokane, Washington, in Spokane County. Marker is at the intersection of North Monroe Street and West Riverside Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Monroe Street. Marker and monument are located in the triangular plaza at the northwest corner of this intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1002 West Riverside Avenue, Spokane WA 99201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thomas S. Foley United States Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker);

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The Bill of Rights (within shouting distance of this marker); Walter F. Horan Plaza (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Monroe Street Bridge (about 500 feet away); Symbol of Spokane (about 500 feet away); The First Bridges (about 600 feet away); Spokane River (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spokane.

Also see . . .
1. John Robert Monaghan. He took the examination held in Spokane in 1891 for the Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy at Annapolis, receiving the highest percentage in each of these examinations, so that he was entitled to make his choice of appointments. John R. Monaghan then entered the Naval Academy, from where he was creditably graduated in 1895, being the first representative of the many from the state of Washington to graduate from that school. His experiences as a member of the navy were interesting and varied and were notable by reason of his unfaltering loyalty to duty on every occasion and in every situation. (Submitted on July 5, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. John R. Monaghan, ENS, USN

John Robert Monaghan Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 1, 2015

2. John Robert Monaghan Monument

(marker is visible on back side of monument)

. During a combined reconnaissance of Americans, British, and Samoans near Apia on 1 April 1899, the American detachment, from the cruiser Philadelphia, under the command of Lt. Philip V. Lansdale, came under fire from hostile rebel Samoans under Chief Mataafa. During the ensuing retreat, Lansdale fell, wounded, as he attempted to cover the retreat with a machine gun. Monaghan seized a rifle "from a disabled man [to make] a brave defense." The Samoans rushed them. Ensign Monaghan, one observer later wrote, "stood steadfast by his wounded superior and friend; one rifle against many, one brave man against a score of savages. He knew he was doomed. He could not yield. He died in heroic performance of duty..." (Submitted on July 5, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Two ships, USS Monaghan, have been named for him.
• USS Monaghan (DD-32), was a modified Paulding-class destroyer launched in 1911 and served in World War I then served in the US Coast Guard from 1924 to 1930
• USS Monaghan (DD-354), was a Farragut-class destroyer launched in 1935 and sunk during a typhoon in December 1944 (Submitted on July 5, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 1, 2015

3. John Robert Monaghan Monument

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 1, 2015

4. John Robert Monaghan Monument

(bas-relief sculpture on front side of monument)

John Robert Monaghan Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 1, 2015

5. John Robert Monaghan Statue

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 360 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 5, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.