Correct Map of the Island of Cuba, the City and Harbor of Havana, showing location of U.S.S. Maine…
THE QUESTION of the HOUR.
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Description
This rare and inflammatory pocket map of Cuba was published by the Merchants Publishing Company in 1898 and distributed by W.G. Young, a druggist operating in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. Just weeks prior to the map’s issue, the U.S.S. Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana’s harbor while stationed there to protect American property in the midst of Cuba’s ongoing war of independence. The explosion was attributed to Spanish saboteurs and encouraged the U.S. public to support intervention on Cuba’s behalf – the “Question of the Hour” posed at the top of the sheet.
The image presents information of military interest to an American audience. Railroads, the primary mechanism for troop transport across the mountainous, jungle-filled terrain, are prominently noted. Steamship routes to the nearby Florida Keys are also shown. An inset map in the upper right shows an outline of Havana’s harbor, with the exact spot of the Maine’s watery grave marked with a red star. Information on the Cuban Revolutionary Government is provided immediately adjacent.
A world map on Mercator’s Projection can be found on the verso. This is surrounded by blocks of text describing the military strength of the various belligerents (Spain, Cuba, and the U.S.), including a comprehensive list of ships of the United States Navy as of March 14, 1898.
Source: U.S. Navy History;
Map Details
Publication Date: 1898
Author: Merchants Publishing Company
Sheet Width (in): 28.1
Sheet Height (in): 21
Condition: B
Condition Description: Double sided pocket map folded into 28 segments and affixed to original orange paper wraps. Covers show light soiling and wear consistent with age. Map is creased along fold lines and has one jagged hole, comprised of several small tears, visible in the lower right (See Isle de Pinos). Extensive repair on the verso has reduced the impact to the map, but seams and creasing can be seen in the affected area upon closer examination. A few other small spots of separation have also been repaired on the verso. About good condition overall.
Out of stock