Memorial USS Maine

The battleship USS Maine had been sent to Cuba to protect American interests during the riots that had broken out in Cuba's independence struggle from Spain. The Maine and her sister ship, Texas were the first of a new class of advanced American battleships.
On 15 February 1898, whilst in Havana harbour the ship exploded probably as a result of a mine. The actual cause of sinking is still a subject of debate, with the possibility of an onboard fire, sabotage or a mine. Public opinion blamed Spain and indirectly lead to the start of the Spanish- American War.
246 men were killed and 57 injured in the explosion out of 355 crew. As Key West was the closest US Naval Port to Cuba, many of the dead and wounded were transported here.
19 crew, including several unidentified are buried in Key West Cemetery in the shadow of a lone oarsman.
The wreck of the ship remained in Havana harbour until 1910 when a cofferdam was built around her. In 1912, after much work to enable her to be moved she was towed out to sea and scuttled. Around 70 bodies were recovered and interred in Arlington National Cemetery. The main mast was removed and serves as a memorial in Arlington.

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