Bath Maine Memorial Garden (Honors Japanese Rescuers with Torii Gate & Memorial Garden)

Bath, Maine, has built a Japanese torii gate and memorial garden to honor the citizens of Tsugaru who rescued the crew of the Cheseborough, a Bath-built merchant vessel that ran aground during a typhoon in 1889.

The torii gate is a traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine or other sacred place. It is also a symbol of transition from the secular world to the sacred world. The memorial garden features a plaque that tells the story of the Cheseborough rescue and the city of Bath's deep gratitude to the people of Tsugaru.

The Cheseborough was a four-masted schooner that was built in Bath in 1882. In 1889, the ship was sailing from San Francisco to Yokohama, Japan, when it was caught in a typhoon and ran aground off the coast of Tsugaru.

The villagers of Tsugaru risked their own lives to rescue the Cheseborough crew. They used ropes to swim out to the ship and pull the survivors to shore. Nineteen of the 23 crew members were killed in the shipwreck, but the villagers were able to rescue the other four.

The Cheseborough rescue is a story of courage and compassion. It is also a reminder of the strong ties between the cities of Bath and Tsugaru. The torii gate and memorial garden are a fitting tribute to the people of Tsugaru and their heroic act of kindness.

The torii gate and memorial garden are located in Bath's downtown Riverwalk. They are open to the public and are a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

Symbolism of the Torii Gate
The torii gate is a traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine or other sacred place. It is also a symbol of transition from the secular world to the sacred world.

The torii gate at the Bath memorial garden is a symbol of the friendship and gratitude between the cities of Bath and Tsugaru. It is also a reminder of the shared values of courage, compassion, and humanity.

Importance of the Memorial Garden
The memorial garden at the Bath torii gate is a place where people can come to reflect on the Cheseborough rescue and the strong ties between the cities of Bath and Tsugaru. It is also a place to learn about the importance of courage, compassion, and humanity.

The memorial garden is a valuable asset to the city of Bath and the state of Maine. It is a reminder of our shared history with Japan and the importance of international friendship and cooperation.