Tuesday, May 14, 2019

The US Coast Guard And Cutter Service

By Karen Rogers


Originally, a group of revenue cutters and crews merged and established one group of crewman in 1915. The merger took place between the United States Lifesaving Service and the United States Revenue Cutter Service. While this is the case, the roots of the us coast guard go way back to the beginning days of the Republic. For, it was in 1790 in which a fleet of vessels to enforce and collect tariffs.

The guard became an official military unit on August 4th, 1790. After which, the United States Congress passed the first Tariff Act, thus allowing the recruitment of one hundred individuals. Due to the disbandment of the United States Navy, these individuals became the only naval marine force of the country. As such, while hired to enforce and collect tariffs, most were also responsible for guarding the country and coast against slave and pirate ships.

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 the mid-1700s, the Revenue-Marine was provided an order to prevent and stop the trading of African slaves to America. While having stopped between four and five hundred ships, the job was just too difficult for such small crews. As such, there were many whom still made it onto land in different areas in which many of the slaves were sold. After which, the cutters were ordered to enforce a new embargo against those not paying tariffs by closing the ports between Europe and the United States.

It was not until the Timber Act of 1822 that the Coast Guard became known as an agent related to environmental protection. Then, during times of crisis or war, the crews and cutters were at the disposal of the U. S. Navy. Two wars with which the cutters were associated included the War of 1812 and the quasi-War with France from 1798 to 1799.

Following the first shots fired by the USRC Harriet during the American Civil War, the cutters were ordered to return to the Atlantic Blockading Squadron on June 14, 1863. After which, a Confederate Revenue Marine force was also formed by crews whom left the Revenue Cutter Service.

While most well-known for assisting in the establishment of Alaska in 1880s and 1890s, the Revenue Cutter Service was integral in bringing reindeer and other food sources to the area. The service was also a part of a relief expedition to assist whalers whom were trapped and starving off the coast. After which, the guard became known as a rescue and life saving organization after having rescued desperate, desolate and destitute miners during the gold rush, then sending the miners from Alaska to Seattle.




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