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The still unsolved mystery surrounding the sinking the U.S. Battleship Maine and the role her explosion played in the start of the Spanish-American War have given her a most prominent position in American history.

On January 24, 1898, the Maine was dispatched from Key West to Havana to protect American lives and property during the conflict between Cuban revolutionaries and the Spanish Colonial Government. Three weeks later, an explosion blew her apart. "Remember the Maine!" became a popular slogan, and outraged Americans blamed Spain for her destruction. On April 25, the United States declared that a state of war existed with Spain.

Because the USS Maine was dispatched to Cuba for the last time from Key West, the 1898 Court of Inquiry, which investigated the explosion of the Maine was held at the historic Key West Customs House and since Key West is, to this day, a strategic naval base for the defense of the Caribbean, it is appropriate that the citizens of Key West take the lead in the commemoration of the sinking of the Battleship Maine and the Spanish-American War of 1898.

Therefore, it is the primary purpose of the U.S. Battleship Maine Centennial Commission to promote activities, and commemorative events that will cause the residents of Key West, the State of Florida, and the citizens of the United States to indeed "Remember the Maine!" during the 100th anniversary of the destruction of the battleship and the war with Spain.

For more information on how to join the commemoration you can write: