1909 Havana Cuba RPPC Wishing U.S. Warships Farewell – January 28 Cuban Independence

Original 1909 real photo postcard documenting a historic moment in Havana, Cuba, at the conclusion of the Second U.S. Occupation.

The photograph is captioned directly in the image:

“Wishing Warships Farewell – Havana, Cuba – 1-28-09.”

The date is historically significant. On January 28, 1909, José Miguel Gómez assumed the presidency of Cuba as the American provisional government came to an end and Cuban government was restored.

U.S. Navy records document that the battleships USS Mississippi and USS Maine had arrived in Havana on January 25 to represent the United States at Gómez's inauguration. The USS Mississippi departed Havana for Guantánamo Bay on January 28 — the same date appearing on this postcard.

The photograph shows Havana's waterfront crowded with spectators, with people gathered along the buildings and harbor area during the ceremonies and departure of the visiting warships.

An unusual early photographic record connecting Havana, the U.S. naval presence in Cuba, and the restoration of Cuban government in 1909.

Details

Original real photo postcard
Havana, Cuba
Dated January 28, 1909
Caption: “Wishing Warships Farewell”
Undivided photographic image front
Unused postcard back
Early 20th-century Cuban / U.S. naval history

Condition:
Good antique condition with expected age toning, surface wear and minor edge/corner wear. Some staining and discoloration are visible on the reverse. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Original period item — not a reproduction.