"Remember the Maine" Spanish-American War Commemorative Bandana, Late 19th Century

Presented is a “Remember the Maine” commemorative handkerchief from the Spanish American War. Printed on cotton, this patriotic handkerchief depicts the famous U.S.S. Maine battleship at center, surrounded by stylized American flag bunting and an American shield.  Printed below the vignette of the famous battleship is the rallying cry, “REMEMBER THE MAINE,” in bold white capital letters. 

In 1895, a Cuban revolutionary movement against imperialist Spain began and Spain had responded by mercilessly suppressing the movement. Spain forced thousands of Cubans into relocation camps and burned crops to deny the countryside to the revolutionary rebels. Americans were shocked over reports of these Spanish atrocities against the Cubans. Many Americans increasingly wanted to aid the Cuban rebels and prevent European tyranny in what they saw as the nation’s backyard. 

In late January 1898, President William McKinley dispatched the U.S.S. Maine to Cuban waters to protect American citizens and business investments during the ongoing tensions between Spain and Cuba. On February 15, 1898, there was an unexplained explosion and the Maine sank in Havana Harbor, killing 266 sailors and marines aboard. Although they lacked any credible evidence to support their claims, American newspaper publishers William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer accused Spain of sinking the battleship.  Hearst reported the news with an offer to pay a $50,000 reward for capture of the “perpetrator of the Maine outrage.” The American public demanded retaliation against Spain, and "Remember the Maine--to hell with Spain!" became their popular rallying cry.

As a result, President McKinley was pushed to seek a declaration of war. On April 11, he asked Congress to declare war on Spain and invoked Spanish atrocities, the memory of the U.S.S. Maine, and the Monroe Doctrine as justification. Congress declared war on April 25, 1898, the same day Roosevelt received approval to raise his cavalry regiment, nicknamed the “Rough Riders,” to fight in Cuba. The war lasted only ten weeks and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. Cuba gained its independence from Spain, and the United States gained the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

CONDITION:

Good condition overall. Printed cotton, with central vignette of ship within a stylized flag surround. The handkerchief has minor scattered holes, overall toning, minor fading, and some water damage and associated fugitive color. Unframed dimensions: 24" x 22 1/2" OA.

Archivally framed in a custom-built frame with UV Conservation clear glass and acid-free mats. 

Framed Dimensions: 31"H x 30"W x 1 1/2"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.