A Spanish naval mine of course makes one think of the "U.S.S. Maine".

It is now suspected "The Maine" was destroyed by a coal dust explosion or some other tragic internal event.

However, back in the early 1900s, that 'Spanish Mine' would have been a very meaningful object and symbol to the American Public. The belief of Spanish involvement in the destruction of the Maine was passed down for generations in the U.S.

Handling several Model 1895 Winchester-Lee rifles, that were salvaged from the wreckage of the U.S.S. Maine, gave me a sense of touching and experiencing some of the history of this event.

Touring the Cruiser, "U.S.S. Olympia", as a pre-teen (after building its 'Revell' plastic model), gave me a love for the U.S. Ships, uniforms, and weapons of that 'semi-modern' age.

I always enjoy the human stories that seem to 'jump out', when researching photos and objects from the Krag Era.

(photos: U.S.S. Maine - Baseball Team, Maine salvage-circa 1901, salvaged U.S.S. Maine 'bow trim' on monument at Davenport Park - Bangor, Maine).

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