Sailor's cap from U.S.S. MAINE

sailor cap

Sailor's cap from the U.S.S. MAINE, presumed to represent the first battleship MAINE. The cap is navy blue wool, with ribbon along the outside, and tails in the back. A compass rose is embroidered on top, and green, white and pink stripes run along the edges and on the band. "U.S.S. MAINE" is printed on the front band, and the dove of peace is embroidered on the inside of the cap.

The armored battleship MAINE was built in 1888, and was sent to Havana, Cuba in 1898 as a show of force in a struggle between Spain and Cuban revolutionary forces. On February 15, 1898, the ship was torn apart by a powerful explosion. This caused a public outcry in America and "Remember the Maine", eventually led to America's declaration of war on Spain.