Gulf Coast and Western Rivers: A Brief History of U.S. Coast Guard Operations

In the nineteenth century the United States government had four small maritime organizations that assisted in saving lives, enforcing federal maritime laws, guiding marines safely to their destinations, and inspecting ships to insure the safety of passengers. In time, these organizations were amalgamated to form the modern day U.S. Coast Guard. The history of the U.S. Coast Guard along the swampy Gulf Coast, Florida’s beach-swept Atlantic Coast and the nation’s heavily commerce travelled Western Rivers provides an insight into the development of this multifaceted Service.