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 Oskaloosa Spanish Torpedo - Oskaloosa, Ia. Posted by:  iconions
N 41° 17.689 W 092° 38.675
15T E 529757 N 4571546
This Spanish torpedo (mine) was presented to the City of Oskaloosa by Lieutenant (Later Admiral) Frank F. Fletcher.
Waymark Code: WMP234
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 06/13/2015
Views: 3
SPANISH TORPEDO MINE (circa 1900)
This souvenir of the Spanish-American War rests on a two level
stone plinth measuring respectively 42"x42" and 60"x60". A metal plaque reads:
This Spanish Torpedo mine was taken out of the
Harbor of Guantanamo in 1899 by Lieut. Commander
Frank F. Fletcher, U.S. Navy,--presented
to the city of his birth as a souvenir of the
Spanish-American War. It is supposed to be of
the same pattern as one which destroyed the
Battleship Maine. Torpedo is in position as
when loaded and placed in the water.
"Admiral Frank F. Fletcher was born in Oskaloosa, November 23, 1855, He graduate from Naval Academy at Annapolis with honors in June 1875. He held various commands, on land and sea, and became highly respected among his colleagues. He was made Rear Admiral commanding the United States Atlantic Fleet with supreme command of Mexican waters.
"He died at the age of 73 in New York City, November 29, 1928.
The University of Virginia Library has all of his diary and manuscripts of his writings, as well as copies of his many successful inventions used by the U.S. Navy.
"On May 4, 1942 a new Navy Destroyer was officially launched at
Kearny, N.J.—the Federal shipbuilding docks on the Hackensack
River. The name of the destroyer was called the 'U.S.S. Fletcher' in his honor. He won his first great sea victory during the struggle with Spain over Mexico in 1914."
- National Register Application
Type of memorial: Other
Location: Oskaloosa City Square
Who placed it?: City of Oskaloosa
When was it placed?: c.1900
Public or private: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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