1898 Rand McNally Map of Manila Harbor, Spanish-American War

This is an uncommon 1898 Rand McNally map of Manila Harbor in the Philippines. The map illustrates the Battle of Manila, the historic 'turning of the tides' that ended nearly 300 years of Spanish dominion in the Philippines.

A Closer Look

The map depicts Manila Bay from its approaches in the South China Sea to Manila and the Pasig River and from Pampanga Bay to Limbones Point. By illustrating the naval battle between the American Asiatic Squadron and the Spanish Pacific Squadron in Manila Bay, Rand-McNally reinforces American dominance in the Pacific. The American Squadron, led by Commodore George Dewey, destroyed the Spanish squadron in one of the most decisive battles in naval history. The course of the 'United States Fleet' is illustrated in red, along with the position of the 'Spanish Fleet'. Depicted here are the Spanish batteries at Manila, Bakor, Canacao, Kalumpan Point, and Limbones Point, and others, all of which could bombard enemy forces in the bay. Locations around the bay are labeled, including Manila and Corregidor Island, which would play a critical role during World War II (1939 - 1945).

The Battle of Manila

The American Asiatic Squadron under Commodore George Dewey engaged and destroyed the Spanish Pacific Squadron under Admiral Patricio Montojo. At 5:41 AM, with the now famous command, 'You may fire when ready, Mr. Gridley,' Commodore Dewey instructed Olympia's captain to begin the bombardment of the Spanish fleet. After a furious exchange, Gridley messaged Dewey that only 15 rounds of ammunition remained per gun. Concerned, Dewey ordered an immediate withdraw. So as not to alarm the crew, he announced that they were 'pausing for breakfast' - which they proceeded to enjoy. During this historic 'breakfast' it became apparent that the communication has gone awry and that the actual message was that Gridley has 'expended only 15 rounds of ammunition per gun.' The Battle commenced at 10:40 AM and followed with the surrender and destruction of the Spanish squadron. The Spanish colors were struck at 12:40 PM, ending 300 year of Spanish hegemony over the Philippines.

Publication History and Census

This map was published by Rand, McNally in the 1898 edition of their Indexed Atlas of the World. We have been unable to locate any other cataloged examples of the separate map.