Or so went the cry after an explosion destroyed the USS Maine battleship in February 1898 as it moored in Havana Harbor.
The explosion killed two officers and 250 men outright, with eight others dying from injuries. It also led to suspicions, which led to the Spanish-American War and the “Remember the Maine” battlecry.
Today’s DownEast.com trivia question asked:
How many navy ships have been named USS Maine?
Answer
Four U.S. Navy Ships have been named in honor of the Pine Tree State.
Here are links to more information on the four ships:
My name is Keith Michaud and this is “Letters From Away,” a blog written by a Mainer living outside the comfortable and sane confines of New England. The blog is intended for Mainers, whether they live in the Pine Tree State or beyond, and for anyone who has loved ’em, been baffled by ’em or both. Ayuh, I am “from away.” Worse still, I live on the Left Coast – in California. Enjoy! Or not. Your choice.
Letters From Away 