Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why was the USS Maine sent to Havana harbor in 1898?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Spanish-American War
Theodore Roosevelt leading the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War, 1898; print created by Kurz & Allison.
In January 1898, the USS Maine was sent to Havana harbor for two primary reasons:
- Conciliatory Gesture: It served as a diplomatic gesture toward Spanish authorities during the ongoing Cuban struggle for independence.1
- Protection of Interests: The ship was deployed as a precaution to safeguard U.S. citizens and property following civil unrest in the city.12
The vessel remained in the harbor until February 15, 1898, when a mysterious explosion destroyed the ship, resulting in the deaths of more than 260 crew members. While a contemporary U.S. naval inquiry attributed the sinking to an external mine, a 1976 investigation concluded that the disaster was most likely caused by an internal fire that ignited the ship's ammunition.12