USRC Argus (1791) facts for kids
The USRC Argus (1791) was an important ship that helped protect the coasts of the United States a long time ago. It was one of the first ten "cutters" built for the United States Revenue Cutter Service. This service was like an early version of today's United States Coast Guard. The Argus served for many years, longer than most of the other first cutters.
History of the Argus
The Argus was built in 1791 in a place called New London, Connecticut. It stayed stationed there for its entire service. The Argus was designed as a "sloop," which is a type of sailboat with one mast. It was about 47 feet (14.5 meters) long and 16 feet (5 meters) wide. The ship also had a draft of about 6 feet (1.8 meters), meaning that much of it was underwater. The Argus weighed about 35 short tons. This first ship named Argus was sold in 1804.
Its First Captain
The first captain, or "master," of the Argus was Jonathan Maltbie. He was in charge of the ship from when it was built until he passed away in 1798. Before joining the Revenue Cutter Service, Captain Maltbie served in the Continental Navy. This was the navy of the United States during and after the American Revolutionary War. His last job in the Continental Navy was as a first lieutenant on a large warship called the USS Trumbull.
