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U.S.S. Arizona Top Mast Memorial

A solemn memorial in Phoenix featuring the U.S.S. Arizona's top mast, honoring the lives lost at Pearl Harbor and the ship's legacy.

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A piece of American naval history stands in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix: the top mast of the U.S.S. Arizona, a poignant reminder of the Pearl Harbor attack. This monument offers a space for reflection on the sacrifices made during World War II.

A brief summary to U.S.S. Arizona Top Mast Memorial

  • Phoenix, Governmental Mall, Arizona, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months for a more comfortable experience, as Phoenix can get very hot.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby memorials and the Arizona State Capitol Museum for a broader historical perspective.
  • Take time to reflect on the significance of the memorial and the events it commemorates.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Governmental Mall area is accessible via Valley Metro bus routes. Check the Valley Metro website or app for specific routes and schedules from your location. A single ride fare costs $2.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the downtown Phoenix area, the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is easily accessible on foot. It is located just east of the Arizona State Capitol Building. Follow the signs for the Capitol or State Government buildings.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Phoenix. A short trip from downtown hotels or attractions to the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza will likely cost between $7 and $15, depending on demand and distance.

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Discover more about U.S.S. Arizona Top Mast Memorial

In the heart of downtown Phoenix, within the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, stands a powerful monument: the U.S.S. Arizona Top Mast Memorial. This isn't just a piece of metal; it's a direct connection to the events of December 7, 1941, and the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The memorial features the upper 26 feet of the U.S.S. Arizona's mainmast, also known as the signal mast or "pig-stick". The U.S.S. Arizona (BB-39), a Pennsylvania-class battleship, was sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, claiming the lives of 1,177 crew members. The signal mast on display here served as a crucial communication point on the ship. Following the attack, the above-water superstructure was removed from the wreckage. Admiral Earnest H. King, Chief of Naval Operations, arranged for the mast to be sent to his hometown of Lorain, Ohio. It was later modified and used for training purposes at a naval armory. In 1990, the U.S.S. Arizona Signal Mast Committee purchased the mast and transported it to Arizona. It was erected in Wesley Bolin Plaza and dedicated to the State of Arizona on December 7, 1990, thanks to private donations. The vertical shaft of the mast is said to represent the 1,177 crewmen who perished, while the yard (cross pieces) symbolizes all who served aboard the U.S.S. Arizona. The U.S.S. Arizona Top Mast Memorial serves as a place for remembrance and reflection. It stands alongside other memorials in the plaza, creating a space where visitors can contemplate the sacrifices made by those who served. Visitors can also find a gun, and an anchor from the USS Arizona in the plaza.

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