The Trippy Triangular Tangle of Bangor, ME: The USS Maine Memorial

Hidden in the heart of Bangor, ME, you'll bump into a naval monument that's more ancient temple than routine war memorial. Its triangle shape and granite construction make it stand out, but don't be fooled, this is no ordinary edifice. This memorial, known as the USS Maine Memorial, pays homage to the brave crew of the USS Maine, an armored cruiser sent by the United States Navy to Cuba in 1898 as a precaution. Sadly, on February 15, 1898, the vessel met its unfortunate demise due to an explosion, leading to a global uproar and eventually the Spanish-American War.

But this monument harbors more than just memories. In 1912, salvage missions unearthed relics from the ship, which now decorate the memorial in Davenport Park. The memorial includes a bronze lighthouse and a plaque that reads: 'To the memory of the soldiers and sailors of the Spanish-American War. Shields and scrolls retrieved from the remnants of USS Maine, sunken Havana Harbor, Cuba, February 15, A.D. 1898. Erected by the city of Bangor, A.D. 1922.

But the USS Maine's tale doesn't end there. In 1920, the relics of the ship were inadvertently trashed (ouch!), causing a sense of urgency. Consequently, the memorial was dedicated on October 17, 1922, at its new location in Davenport Park. The design was the work of local architect Edwin S. Kent. However, the USS Maine's story doesn't end in Maine. Public memorials dedicated to the Maine and the Spanish-American War can also be found in other parts of the state, including a cannon of the ship in Fort Allen Park, Portland, and a recovered projectile in Lewiston.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons