When was the United States Coast Guard founded?

The United States Coast Guard was established on August 4, 1790. This date marks the founding of the Revenue Cutter Service, which is considered the predecessor of the Coast Guard. The Revenue Cutter Service was created to enforce tariff and trade laws, and it played a crucial role in maritime law enforcement and the protection of U.S. waters.

Over the years, the Coast Guard has evolved significantly, merging with other agencies and expanding its roles to include search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and national defense. Understanding the founding date is essential for recognizing the historical role of the Coast Guard in maritime safety and security, as well as its development into a multi-mission service that serves the nation in various capacities.

Other options provided represent significant dates in American history or other components of maritime services, but they do not relate to the specific founding of the U.S. Coast Guard. For example, July 4, 1776, signifies American independence, and September 11, 1812, correlates with the War of 1812, while March 2, 1909, is associated with the establishment of the Coast Guard's predecessor, the Lighthouse Service, as an independent agency.