From Revenue Cutters to the Coast Guard
A ship cuts through rough water toward a boat in trouble. Its crew may need to rescue people, enforce a law, or protect the coast. Today, that ship might belong to the United States Coast Guard. But the service began with a different main job: collecting money for the new nation.
1790: Guarding the nation’s revenue
After the United States became independent, the federal government needed money to pay its debts and operate. One way to raise money was to charge taxes on goods brought into the country by ship. These taxes were called customs duties.
Some ship captains tried to avoid paying. Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton proposed a fleet of small armed vessels to help enforce customs laws. On August 4, 1790, Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels, known as revenue cutters. Their crews could stop and inspect ships suspected of avoiding the duties.
Early cutters relied on sails and wind. They had to work along a long coastline with many harbors and inlets. Their crews also helped ships in distress when they could. Over time, the service took on other duties, including enforcing maritime laws and helping protect the nation during wars.
1800s: New power and lifesaving stations
- revenue:
- Money received by a government or organization.
- authorized:
- Officially gave permission for something.
- vessels:
- Ships or large boats.
- maritime:
- Related to the sea or travel on water.
- distress:
- A state of danger or serious trouble.
- navigate:
- To find and follow a route while traveling.
- hazards:
- Things that can cause danger or harm.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did the new federal government need to collect customs duties?
- 2How did revenue cutter crews help enforce customs laws?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“From Revenue Cutters to the Coast Guard” is a explanatory article reading passage about United States Coast Guard history, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (534 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.