Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Revenue Cutters And The Early US Coast Guard

By Karen Rogers


In 1915, a merger took place between the United States Revenue cutter Service and the United States Lifesaving Service. As a result, the us coast guard was born. Although, not known as the guard until much later in history, the roots of the guard go back to 1790. At which time, Alexander Hamilton ordered vessels back to the East Coast to collect and enforce tariffs.

On August 4, 1790, the United States Coast Guard was officially established and became a military unit. After which, the Tariff Act was also passed by Congress, thus allowing for the construction of ten cutters and 100 recruits. Between 1790 and 1798, due to the disbandment of the Navy, the recruits became the only naval force of the United States. As such, while hired primarily to enforce tariffs, the crews were also on guard against pirate and slave ships in the area.

Originally the cutters were not part of the Navy or an organized service. Rather each cutter operated separately and independently while being assigned to patrol a specific area along the Eastern seaboard. Most often, the cutters were referred to as the "Revenue-Marine, " then later became recognized as Revenue Cutter Services once better organized.

When the United States Navy was re-established in 1790, the crews of the cutters took on more responsibilities. Some of these responsibilities included, ferrying government officials, delivering mail, rescuing mariners in distress while still combating piracy. As such, a number of individuals decided to leave the Cutter Service while others remained on board.

In 1794, the Revenue-Marine was given the order to prevent the trading of slaves from Africa to the United States. While the cutters captured and stopped between 400 and 500 slave ships, there were many whom made it through the waterways and onto land where many slaves were sold. Then, in 1808, the cutters and crews were given the responsibility to enforce President Jefferson's embargo, thus closing ports between the United States and Europe.

In 1822, the United States Coast Guard became known for efforts related to protecting the environment. Whereas, the cutters and crews were also used in the War of 1812 and what became a quasi-war between the United States and France at the end of the 1700s. After which, the organization began life saving rescues while continuing to promote protection of the environment.

The first shots of the Civil War were fired by crews on the USRC Harriet. At which time, the cutters returned to the Atlantic Blocking Squadron. After which, some of the Revenue Marine Service members which had left the original service banded together and began a revenue cutter service which was part and parcel to the Confederacy.

Most noted for the establishment of Alaska in the 1880s and 1890s, the Revenue Cutter Service played a major role in bringing reindeer to the area as a food source. After which, the reindeer and crews of the Revenue Cutter Service were part of a relief expedition to assist trapped whalers who were starving. During the 1900 Snake River Gold Rush, the service also worked to return destitute gold miners to Seattle from Alaska. Since that time, the U. S. Coast Guard has grown into an organization known for life saving rescues and services around the country.




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