USRC Active (1791) facts for kids
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The USRC Active was a special ship built in 1791. It was one of the first ten "cutters" used by the United States Revenue Cutter Service. This service was like an early version of today's Coast Guard. The Active started its work in 1792 and served for eight years until 1800.
The Ship's Story
Building the Active
The ship Active was built by a skilled shipbuilder named David Stodder. He built her in Baltimore, Maryland. The Active was designed as a schooner. This means it was a type of sailing ship with two masts. It had special "fore-and-aft" sails that ran along the length of the ship.
The Active was officially launched on April 9, 1791. After it was built, its home port was Baltimore. The main job of the USRC Active was to patrol the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This helped to stop smuggling and collect taxes on goods.
Captains of the Active
The first captain of the Active was Simon Gross. He was in charge of the ship and its crew. Isaac Roach was the first mate, helping the captain. Benjamin Rue was the second mate.
Captain Gross left his position in 1792. Then, President George Washington chose a new captain. He promoted David Porter, who had been the first mate, to be the new captain. The Active served for several years before it was sold in 1800.
Other Early Cutters
- USRC Vigilant (1791)
- USRC Scammel (1791)
- USRC General Green (1791)
- USRC Massachusetts (1791)
- USRC Argus (1791)
- USRC Virginia (1791)
- USRC Diligence (1791)
- USRC South Carolina (1791)
- USRC Eagle (1791)
