US Coast Guard Birthday - August 4

US Coast Guard Birthday - August 4

The US Coast Guard was founded on August 4, 1790, when Congress authorized the construction of ten revenue cutters at the request of Alexander Hamilton. It was originally called the Revenue Marine, then the Revenue Cutter Service before becoming the Coast Guard in 1915.

What is/was a revenue cutter?
A revenue cutter was a small, fast, armed sailing ship used by the early United States government to enforce customs laws and collect import taxes (revenue) along the nation's coastline.

The term comes from two words:

  • Revenue refers to the money the federal government collected from customs duties (tariffs) on imported goods. In the late 1700s, these duties were the federal government's primary source of income.
  • A cutter is a type of sailing vessel known for being relatively small, fast, and highly maneuverable. These qualities made cutters ideal for chasing smugglers and patrolling the coast.

Why were they needed?
After the American Revolution, the new United States had very little money. The government depended heavily on customs duties collected at ports. However, smugglers often tried to avoid paying those taxes.

In 1790, Alexander Hamilton persuaded Congress to fund 10 revenue cutters to:

  • Patrol the coastline
  • Stop smuggling
  • Enforce customs laws
  • Protect merchant shipping
  • Ensure taxes were collected

The Coast Guard's missions include:

  • Search and rescue
  • Maritime law enforcement
  • Boating safety
  • Drug interdiction
  • Environmental protection
  • Icebreaking
  • Aids to navigation (buoys and lighthouses)
  • Port security
  • National defense

U.S. Coast Guard Trivia

  • Before the U.S. Navy was established in 1798, the Revenue Cutter Service was the nation's only armed maritime force. 
  • The Coast Guard's motto is "Semper Paratus," Latin for "Always Ready."
  • The Coast Guard is unique among the military branches,. As one of the six U.S. armed services, in peacetime, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security.
  • During war or when directed by the President, it can be transferred to the United States Department of the Navy.
  • The Coast Guard maintains over 50,000 aids to navigation, including buoys, daybeacons, and other markers that help mariners travel safely. 
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