The Coast Guard's official history began on 4 August 1790 when
President George Washington signed the Tariff Act that authorized the construction of ten vessels, referred to
as "cutters," to enforce
federal tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling. Known variously
through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the "revenue
cutters," the "system of cutters,"
and finally the Revenue Cutter Service, it expanded in size and responsibilities as
the nation grew.
From Then...
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U.S. Revenue Cutter
Bear, circa 1890 on Patrol Off Alaska.
Painting by James A. Mitchell, III.
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The United States Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government. Until Congress established the United States Department of the Navy in 1798, it served as the nation's only armed force afloat protecting America's waters and shorelines. In times of peace, it operates as part of the United States Department of Homeland Security,
serving as the nation's front-line agency for enforcing the nation's laws at sea,
protecting the marine environment and the nation's vast coastline and ports, and
saving life. In times of war, or at the direction of the President,
the Coast Guard serves as part of the United States Department of the Navy.
The US Coast Guard received its present name through an act of Congress signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on 28 January 1915 that merged the Revenue Cutter Service with the U.S. Life-Saving Service. This merger provided the nation with a single maritime service dedicated to
saving life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws.
The United States Lighthouse Service merged into the United States Coast Guard in 1939. It was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all lighthouses and lightvessels in the United States.
In 1946, the functions of the Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection were absorbed by the U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. Coast Guard thereby abolishing the bureau.
Finally, in 1967, after 177 years in the Treasury
Department, the Coast Guard was transferred to the newly formed
Department of Transportation.
'Til Now...
To celebrate this day, make sure to take a moment to commemorate the
Coast Guard. Be on the look out for festivals, parades, and other events
in your area. For example, if you live in Michigan, you can attend the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven—America's own "Coast Guard City." Typically it is the largest community celebration of a branch of the Armed Forces in the nation.
Did you know…
Each day, the men and women of the 35,000 plus
active duty Coast Guard, 8,000 Reservists, and 32,000
Auxiliarists provide services over 3.4 million square miles
of Exclusive Economic Zones.
Happy US Coast Guard Day!
Thank you for your service!
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