View complete article and references at Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina at: https://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/monument/46

Description: This tombstone-shaped memorial honors the U.S.S. Maine, which was sunk in Havana Harbor shortly before the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. The memorial has two brass plaques: one has an inscription; the other depicts Liberty with a cap and shield saluting the U.S.S. Maine as it sinks into the ocean. There are multiple plaques identical to this one around the country, all of them cast from the bronze of the battleship and with the same inscription.

Image: Inscriptions

Inscription:
Upper plaque: In Memoriam / U.S.S. Maine / Destroyed in Havana Harbor / February 15th 1898 / This tablet cast from metal recovered from the U.S.S. Maine

Lower plaque: Placed by / John W. Cotten / Camp No. 9 and Auxiliary / United Spanish / War Veterans

Dedication date: 1913

Creator: Charles Keck, Sculptor

Materials & Techniques: Bronze, stone

Sponsor: The monument was placed by John W. Cotton of Camp No. 9 and Auxiliary United States War Veterans.

Subject notes: The USS Maine was sent to protect U.S. interests during Cuba's revolt against Spain. She exploded in the Havana harbor unexpectedly and without explanation in February 1898. Inflammatory articles blamed Spain and "Remember the Maine" became a rallying cry during the Spanish-American War.

Location: Marker is at the intersection of St Andrew Street and East Wilson Street, on the right when traveling north on St Andrew Street.

Landscape: There are five other historical markers located within walking distance of this marker.

City: Tarboro

County: Edgecombe

Subjects: Spanish American War