The Lincoln Highway National Museum & Archives 102 Old Lincoln Way West Galion, Ohio 44833 (419) 462-2212 Voice (419) 462-2214 Fax (419) 566-0790 Cell

Dear Friends,

The second flag of interest is
The Revenue Cutter Service

or the predecessor to the US Coast Guard.

It has 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies,
16 stripes for the 3 extra states of 1790.

As the story goes,
On August 4, 1790 George Washington
approved an Act proposed by Alexander Hamilton
providing for the construction of 10 Revenue Cutters
and placed under the charge of customs collectors.

In 1915 the Revenue Cutter Service
was merged with the Life-Saving Service
to form the US Coast Guard.

Note the added seal and loss of the stars.

But what most people don't know is the real reason
for the Cutter Service.

While filming the Documentary,
Ben paid special attention to the Cutter Flag.

So several days later while going through
National Magazine
the words
"Revenue Cutter Service"
jumped off the page.

According to the article,
after the Revolutionary War
the Continental Navy was disbanded.

In order to circumvent those opposed to a navy,
Washington approved Hamilton's request
and created the armed Cutter Service
under the command of officers
from the old Continental Navy.

Amazing what you can find in old magazines...

Warmest Regards,

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