Three Oaks in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Dewey Cannon

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

1. The Dewey Cannon Marker

Inscription. This cannon, captured in the Spanish-American War by Admiral Dewey, was presented to Three Oaks when its citizens raised $1,400 for a memorial to the men of the battleship Maine. This was the largest contribution, per capita, of any community in the nation. “Three Oaks Against the World,” a local paper proudly boasted. This park was dedicated October 17, 1899, by President William McKinley, and others. Presentation of the cannon took place on June 28, 1900. Guest of honor was Helen Miller Gould, called the Spanish-American War’s “Florence Nightingale.” Thousands of people were in attendance on each occasion.

Erected 1963 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S0239.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Spanish-American • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #25 William McKinley, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1750.

Location. 41° 48.088′ N, 86° 36.521′ W. Marker is in Three Oaks, Michigan, in Berrien County. It can be reached from East Central Avenue

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

near North Elm Street. It is located in Dewey Cannon Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Three Oaks MI 49128, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan

and specifically in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Apple Cider Century 50th Anniversary (within shouting distance of this marker); Vickers Theatre (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 22 North Elm Street (about 500 feet away); Three Oaks Michigan (about 600 feet away); 1854 Site First School (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Three Oaks.

Also see . . .
1. The Life of Admiral George Dewey (1837–1917). by Brian Miller on the Spanish American War Centennial Website. (Submitted on July 13, 2007.)

2. Helen Miller Shepard (nee Gould). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 14, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

2. The Dewey Cannon Marker

The Dewey Cannon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

3. The Dewey Cannon

Inscription on the base: “The Dewey Cannon, Captured at Manilla.”

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

4. The Dewey Cannon

Three Oaks Centennial Stone underneath the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

5. Three Oaks Centennial Stone underneath the marker

The gazebo behind the Dewey Cannon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

6. The gazebo behind the Dewey Cannon

Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 4,135 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 10, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.