Contributed by Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
- MMN #103976
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Description
During the 1920s, the United States Postal Service, and the mail, came under attack from enterprising criminals. In 1921, after several high profile robberies, President Warren G. Harding sent 2,200 Marines to guard mail delivery across the nation. The "Devil Dogs" were assigned to high priority certified mail, items such as cash and negotiable bonds. While the Marines were on guard, not one robbery was attempted. They withdrew in 1922.
By 1926, the postal service was once again a prime target for robberies, which prompted President Coolidge to assign 2,500 Marines to guard duty across the nation. Union Station was one of the biggest economic and transportation hubs in the region.
About This Item
- Title: Marine Corps guarding mail at Union Station, Portland, 1926
- Creation Date: 1926
- Subject Date: 1926
- Location: Union Station, Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Glass Negative
- Dimensions: 8.3 cm x 10.8 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 1949, 2005.061.14055
- Collection: Portland Press Herald glass negative collection
- Object Type: Image
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Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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