Remember The Maine Day

Remember the Maine Day is a commemoration held every year on February 15, honoring the American battleship, U.S.S. Maine, which tragically sank in Cuba, claiming the lives of 266 crew members. Back on February 15, 1898, an unexplained explosion occurred, leading to the ship’s sinking and setting off a chain of political tension, a naval blockade, and, eventually, the declaration of war.

History of Remember the Maine Day

The U.S.S. Maine was among the first battleships in the United States. After extensive discussions by the Naval Advisory Board, the construction of two 6000-ton warships, the ‘Maine’ and ‘Texas,’ was sanctioned. These vessels symbolized major advancements for the U.S. Navy and were considered exceptional for their time. In January 1898, the Maine journeyed from Florida to Cuba to protect U.S. interests during the Cuban War of Independence. Almost three weeks later, on February 15 at 9:40 P.M., an explosion struck the ship in Havana Harbor, leading to its destruction and rapid descent to the harbor’s bottom. Out of the 355 crew members, 266 perished — 260 instantly and six more from injuries later on.

The immediate response to this tragedy was an investigation into its cause. Even today, the official cause of the explosion remains unknown, though various theories abound. The U.S. Naval Court of Inquiry attributed the explosion to a mine, a claim the American press widely propagated. Despite lacking evidence, Spain was accused of the sabotage, sparking outrage across America with slogans like “To hell with Spain, Remember the Maine.” While this was not the sole cause of the Spanish-American War, it exacerbated distrust and hostility. The United States eventually declared war on Spain in April, achieving victory with a peace treaty signed by December, granting Cuba its independence, albeit with significant U.S. influence still present. Later investigations suggested the possibility of an internal cause for the explosion and sinking of the Maine. Yet, the incident’s cause remains unresolved, but the lives lost on that day must not be forgotten. February 15 serves as a reminder of the 266 brave individuals who died serving their country. This is Remember the Maine Day.

Timeline of Remember the Maine Day

• August 1886: Congress approves the construction of the Maine.
• September 1895: The Maine is officially commissioned under Captain Arent S. Crowninshield.
• January 1898: Maine departs for Havana, Cuba from Key West, Florida.
• February 1898: The tragic explosion and sinking of the Maine occur.

Who actually sank the Maine?

Numerous theories and investigations have attempted to unravel this mystery, but the answer remains elusive.

Did the destruction of the Maine cause the Spanish-American War?

The Maine’s sinking was one of the contributing factors, though not the sole reason for the Spanish-American War.

How long did it take to build the U.S.S. Maine?

Being a pioneering battleship, the U.S.S. Maine took nine years to build.

Ways to Observe Remember the Maine Day

• Visit memorial sites to Remember the Maine: Visit memorials dedicated to the Maine, such as the Battleship Maine Monument in Bangor, Maine; U.S.S. Maine National Monument in New York City; U.S.S. Maine Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery; the Monument to Victims of the Maine in Havana, Cuba, and more. New York and Boston also host patriotic bar crawls on this day.
• Watch footage to Remember the Maine: From the comfort of your home, explore content related to the Maine, including photo collections and documentaries about the Spanish-American War that feature the Maine.
• Read about Remember the Maine: Delve into research on the Maine’s construction, events that unfolded, and the investigations conducted. Books on the Maine can also provide deeper insights.

5 Investigations Conducted for the Maine

• Del Peral and De Salas Inquiry: This inquiry suggested that coal bunker combustion likely caused the explosion, dismissing the mine theory.
• Sampson Board’s Court of Inquiry: Based on witness accounts, this inquiry concluded that a mine caused the explosion, despite inconsistencies.
• Vreeland Board’s Court of Inquiry: This inspection of the wreck suggested an external explosion caused the explosion of magazines.
• Rickover Investigation: This investigation involved interviews with naval historians and evidence review, concluding no evidence of an external penetration, suggesting an internal explosion.
• “National Geographic” Investigation: Commissioned by Advanced Marine Enterprises (A.M.E.), this analysis yielded inconclusive results.

Why Remember the Maine Day is Important

• It keeps memories alive: As time goes by, we should remember those who sacrificed their lives for our protection. The brave men who perished on the Maine are no longer with us, but their memories must endure.
• It is a reminder to be grateful: Every day, soldiers risk their lives to serve and protect us, and this day reminds us to express our gratitude to them and their families for their sacrifices.
• It keeps us grounded: This day keeps us rooted in history, reminding us of the sacrifices and journeys that have shaped the present.

What is the date of Remember The Maine Day every year?

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