BEST Geo-Art: B11/11
Reading, Berks County, PA
An anchor from the ill-fated USS Maine, whose sinking in 1898 precipitated the Spanish-American War, was dedicated in what was then Penn's Commons on July 31, 1914. It now is called Reading City Park, located on the way up to Reading's famous Pagoda on Mt. Penn. The anchor, propped against a stone and firmly bolted down, is adjacent to North 11th Street.
The sinking of the battleship, which sparked the cry "Remember the Maine," had a monumental effect on American history. The anchor survived because the Maine was attached to a buoy after the explosion. It was removed before the ship sank and stored in a Navy yard in Washington. Congressman John H. Rothermel of Reading arranged for it to be brought to Reading. Six mounted policemen escorted the anchor to City Park. Seaman Frank Anders of Reading was among the 267 sailors killed in the explosion that rocked the Navy warship.
"A splendid tribute was paid to the sailors who lost their lives on the battleship Maine when it was destroyed in Havana Harbor."
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy who dedicated the monument was …
A. Theodore Roosevelt (N 40° 28.096 W 075° 55.569)
B. William McKinley (N 40° 28.098 W 075° 55.561)
C. Woodrow Wilson (N 40° 28.110 W 075° 55.577)
D. Franklin D. Roosevelt (N 40° 28.104 W 075° 55.569)
Note: This cache has the hunting attribute selected. Hunters wear orange, and when the time is right, and so should you. During hunting season, it is best to do this series on a Sunday. The majority of the cache containers are hidden within 10 - 20 feet from the trail. Since these caches are hidden in the woods, you will encounter things like wildlife, poison ivy, bugs, ticks, etc. That is just part of geocaching in the great outdoors. Good Luck.