What is the creation date of the Revenue Cutter Service?

The Revenue Cutter Service was established on August 4th, 1790. This date marks a significant moment in U.S. maritime history, as it represents the founding of the nation’s first federal maritime law enforcement agency, which was tasked with enforcing tariffs and trade laws. The service played a critical role in ensuring maritime safety and security as well as collecting revenue for the federal government.

The importance of this date lies in its role in the development of the U.S. Coast Guard, as the Revenue Cutter Service eventually merged with other agencies to form what is known today as the Coast Guard. This historical context underlines why August 4th, 1790, is recognized as a pivotal date in the evolution of U.S. maritime services.