Spanish-American War Memorial

The Spanish-American War Memorial is a granite monument at Arlington that honors 264 sailors who died in the USS Maine explosion. It sits within the sprawling military cemetery and can be reached through the main entrance pathways.

The USS Maine sank in Havana Harbor in 1898 after an explosion that killed over 250 crew members. This disaster prompted the United States to declare war on Spain and marked a turning point in American foreign policy.

This memorial marks a moment when a maritime disaster stirred public emotion and influenced national policy decisions. The site reflects how ordinary sailors became central to a larger shift in American global engagement.

The cemetery is open daily, but visiting early in the morning helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the space more comfortably. Wear good shoes since the terrain is hilly and you will walk quite a bit to reach different sections.

The monument actually incorporates pieces of recovered wreckage from the USS Maine itself. This physical connection to the sunken ship creates a more direct link to the sailors and the events of that distant day.

Location: Arlington County

GPS coordinates: 38.87539,-77.07452

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:24