Revenue Cutter | Early Ancestors of Today’s Coast Guard Cutters Immediately after the American Revolutionary War the new United States was struggling to stay afloat financially. National income was desperately needed, and the government determined that a great deal of this income would come from import tariffs. Because of rampant smuggling, the need was immediate for strong enforcement of tariff laws, and on the 4th of August 1790, the United States Congress, Urged on by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, created the Revenue-Marine, later renamed the Revenue Cutter Service by act of 31 July 1894. Under the enabling legislation that authorized the Revenue-Marine, the “System of Cutters”, consisting of ten vessels were initially ordered and constructed. They were to be assigned along the East Coast from New Hampshire to Georgia. Between 1790 and 1798, the Revenue-Marine was the only armed maritime service of the United States. On 28 January 1915, the service was merged by an act of Congress with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the United States Coast Guard.
It is important to note that some pictured items may have been built with optional items not included as part of standard kits, such as pedestals, bases, cases, paint, etc. If there are any questions about the contents of a particular kit, please contact Bluejacket.
Paint Kit Contents:
Thinner (1 oz)
Clear
Primer
Flat Black
Flat White
Copper
Italian Dark Brown
LOA: 19″
Scale: 1/4″=1′
Finished Model: $1,450.00
A Revenue Cutter, also known as a Revenue Service Cutter, was a type of vessel used by the United States Revenue Cutter Service in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These cutters were primarily used for patrolling and enforcing maritime laws, such as preventing smuggling and collecting customs duties.
The first Revenue Cutter was the Massachusetts, which was launched in 1791. It was a 50-foot vessel equipped with cannons and muskets for defense. The primary purpose of these cutters was to protect the revenue of the new nation, as the United States was heavily reliant on tariffs and duties for its income.
In the early years, the Revenue Cutters were made of wood and were designed for speed and maneuverability. They were also equipped with sails, allowing them to travel long distances and chase down any ships that were attempting to evade customs duties. However, as technology advanced, these vessels were also fitted with steam engines, making them even more efficient and powerful.
One of the most well-known Revenue Cutters was the USRC Bear, which was used for exploration and rescue missions in the Arctic. This cutter became famous for its role in the rescue of the crew of the whaling ship, the George W. Elder, in 1897. The Bear battled through treacherous ice and harsh weather conditions to save the stranded sailors, earning the vessel the nickname ‘The Bear of the North.’
In 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the United States Coast Guard. With this merger came a new generation of Coast Guard cutters that were larger, more powerful, and better equipped to handle the diverse missions of the Coast Guard.
These early versions of the Coast Guard cutters were used for a variety of tasks, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and even military operations. They were crucial in protecting the nation’s coastlines and waterways, as well as promoting safety and security in the maritime industry.
With advancements in technology, these cutters were eventually made with steel hulls, making them more durable and able to withstand rough seas. They were also equipped with advanced communication systems, navigation equipment, and weapons, making them highly effective in carrying out their duties.
Today, the Coast Guard cutters continue to play a vital role in protecting the nation’s waterways and serving as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the United States. From their humble beginnings as Revenue Cutters to the highly advanced vessels of today, these ships have a rich history and continue to serve as an integral part of the Coast Guard’s mission to protect and serve the country.
Join over 5,000 readers of our monthly newsletter!
Join over 5,000 readers of our monthly newsletter!
© 2024 Bluejacket Shipcrafters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy and Terms of Use Policy.