Our Coast Guard: A Brief History of the United States Revenue Marine Service

The establishment of the Revenue Marine, or what is more familiarly known as the Revenue Cutter Service, antedates that of the present navy. The former was organized in 1790, and consequently has nearly reached the centennial anniversary of its existence. While it is known that such a corps is a part of the government machinery, there is little understanding by the public generally regarding its scope and character and the magnitude of its varied duties.