Saco in York County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Spanish War and Philippine Insurrection Memorial
1898 - 1902
— In Memory Of —
Inscription.
from Battleship Maine when salvaged
from Havana harbor in 1912
In Memoriam
U.S.S. Maine
Destroyed in Havana Harbor
February 15th 1898
This tablet is cast from metal
recovered from the U.S.S. Maine
Dedicated Nov. 11, 1961
Erected 1961 by United Spanish War Veterans.
Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, Spanish-American. In addition, it is included in the U.S.S. Maine Memorial Markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1926.
Location. 43° 30.06′ N, 70° 26.59′ W. Marker is in Saco, Maine, in York County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Beech Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Monument is in the small park bounded by Main, Beach, and Elm Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saco ME 04072, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); World War Memorial (here, next to this marker); War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Veterans' Memorial at Eastman Park (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Laura Black Stickney, 1879-1961 (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob Cochran, 1782-1836 (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Brannan and the Gold Rush (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dyer Library, Founded 1882 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saco.
Regarding Spanish War and Philippine Insurrection Memorial. The battleship U.S.S. Maine was sent to Havana Harbor to protect U.S. interests during the Cuban War of Independence, and it spent over three weeks anchored there without incident. On the evening of February 15, 1898, the ship exploded and sank, killing 268 sailors, or three-quarters of the crew. It was not determined if the cause was something internal or external, but this event contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
In 1913, sculptor Charles Keck of New York City designed a memorial plaque that was cast from metal salvaged
from the USS Maine after it was raised in Havana harbor the previous year. Over a thousand of the plaques were cast and they are spread all over the United States.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 883 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on May 26, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on April 7, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.