The Historical Evolution of the United States Coast Guard

How did the United States Coast Guard originate and what was its early historical mission?

Can you provide an overview of the initial responsibilities of the United States Coast Guard?

Origin of the United States Coast Guard

The USCG, United States Coast Guard, started under the Department of the Treasury with a mission primarily oriented towards revenue enforcement.

The United States Coast Guard, commonly referred to as USCG, traces its origins back to its establishment in 1790 under the Department of the Treasury. Initially known as the Revenue Cutter Service, its early historical mission was driven by the need to enforce revenue laws and prevent smuggling activities along the nation's maritime borders.

During this period, the primary focus of the USCG was to safeguard the collection of maritime import tariffs, which served as a crucial source of revenue for the budding United States. The service was tasked with patrolling the seas, intercepting smugglers, and ensuring compliance with customs regulations to protect the nation's fiscal interests.

Under the leadership of President George Washington and his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, the USCG played a vital role in upholding fiscal responsibilities and preserving economic stability through its enforcement activities.