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American Monument at Mull of Oa, Isle of Islay

A poignant stone lighthouse memorial on Islay’s Mull of Oa, honoring over 550 American WWI soldiers lost at sea in 1918.

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The American Monument stands on the rugged Mull of Oa peninsula on Islay, Scotland, commemorating over 550 American servicemen lost in two tragic troopship sinkings during World War I in 1918. Erected by the American Red Cross in 1920, this 20-metre tall stone tower resembles a lighthouse and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean from a dramatic cliffside setting. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made and the maritime disasters that occurred nearby.

A brief summary to American Monument

  • Mull of Oa, Isle of Islay, PA42 7AU, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear as the monument sits on rugged cliffs with uneven terrain.
  • Visit on a clear day for spectacular Atlantic Ocean views and photo opportunities.
  • Combine your visit with a hike around the Oa Nature Reserve to experience the wild landscape.
  • Bring weatherproof clothing; the site is exposed to strong winds and sudden weather changes.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Drive from Port Ellen on Islay via the single-track road to the Mull of Oa car park, approximately a 25-30 minute journey. Parking is limited and the road is narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. No parking fees apply.

  • Walking

    From the Mull of Oa car park, a short 10-15 minute walk on uneven, rocky paths leads to the monument. The terrain is rugged and exposed, so suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

  • Bus and Taxi

    Limited local bus services run from Port Ellen to nearby stops; from there, a taxi can be arranged for the final 5 km to the monument. Taxi fares vary but expect approximately £15-£25 one way. Service frequency is limited, especially outside summer months.

American Monument location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about American Monument

A Solemn Tribute on the Mull of Oa

Perched atop the exposed cliffs of the Mull of Oa, the American Monument is a striking stone tower built in 1920 by the American Red Cross. It memorializes the loss of approximately 550 American soldiers who perished in two separate maritime tragedies during World War I. The monument's location, about 130 metres above sea level, offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the very waters where these disasters unfolded. Its lighthouse-like design, constructed from dark grey local stone with contrasting pale banding, integrates seamlessly into the rugged landscape, symbolizing a beacon of remembrance.

Historical Context of the Tragedies

The monument commemorates two troopship disasters off Islay's coast in 1918. The first involved the SS Tuscania, a passenger liner carrying around 2,000 American soldiers from New Jersey to France, torpedoed by a German U-boat near the Mull of Oa. The ship sank hours later, with an estimated 230 lives lost. The second tragedy occurred eight months later when HMS Otranto collided with HMS Kashmir during a storm near Machir Bay, resulting in over 400 deaths, mostly American servicemen. These events represented a significant portion of American lives lost in the Atlantic during the war.

Architectural and Symbolic Features

Designed by architect Robert James Walker and built by George Read & Son, the monument’s construction method mirrors that of a lighthouse, featuring a spiral staircase built from the inside out. The entrance was sealed after completion, replaced by a large brass plaque framed by a carved stone architrave resembling a doorway. The monument also displays a smaller plaque and a bronze wreath tribute from President Woodrow Wilson. Local tradition recounts islanders gathering stones from nearby cliffs to build the tower, emphasizing the community’s connection to the memorial.

Setting and Surrounding Landscape

The American Monument is situated within the Oa Nature Reserve, a remote and wild peninsula on the southwest corner of Islay. The area is characterized by vast, windswept landscapes, steep cliffs, and panoramic views across the Atlantic. The monument’s isolated position enhances its solemn atmosphere, inviting reflection amid the natural beauty and starkness of the environment. Nearby, the Kilnaughton Military Cemetery holds some of the victims, further anchoring the site’s historical significance.

Visitor Experience and Cultural Importance

Visitors to the monument encounter a powerful blend of history and nature. The site offers a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring bonds between Scotland and the United States. The monument’s visibility from many parts of Islay makes it a landmark of remembrance and a symbol of transatlantic sacrifice. The surrounding trails and viewpoints provide opportunities for hiking and contemplation, making it a meaningful destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Preservation and Legacy

Maintained as a protected war memorial, the American Monument has remained unchanged since its construction. Its preservation honors the memory of those lost and educates future generations about the sacrifices made during World War I. The monument stands not only as a historical marker but also as an emblem of international friendship and respect, commemorating the bravery of American servicemen far from home.

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