Historic Naval Battle at Maine, August 1916

The photograph titled Fighting top of MAINE, captured in August 1916 by a Bain News Service photographer, provides a window into the naval history of the United States during the early 20th century. The image depicts the fighting top of the USS Maine, a battleship commissioned in 1895 that played a significant role in the Spanish-American War. The Maine, famously associated with the explosion in Havana Harbor in 1898, became a symbol of naval strength and American imperialism.

In this photograph, observers can see the intricate details of the ships structure, highlighting its design and the complexity of early 20th-century naval technology. The fighting top was crucial for spotting enemy ships and directing gunfire, representing a strategic vantage point in naval operations. This image not only documents the USS Maines physical characteristics but also serves as a reminder of a pivotal moment in U.S. military and maritime history, reflecting the nation’s evolving role on the global stage before World War I.