USRC Vigilant (1791) facts for kids
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The Vigilant was an important ship from the early days of the United States Revenue Cutter Service. This service was like a police force for the seas, helping to collect taxes and stop smuggling. Vigilant was one of the first ten ships, called cutters, ever built for this service. Her name, "Vigilant," means being watchful and alert, which was perfect for her job! She was built and launched in 1791 in New York and spent her time patrolling the waters around New York.
History of the Vigilant
The Vigilant was designed as a schooner, which is a type of sailing ship. She had two masts and used special sails called fore-and-aft sails. These sails run along the length of the ship, making it easier to sail against the wind.
The ship was about 48 feet (15 m) long, which is roughly the length of a large school bus. She also had a very shallow draft of only 6 feet (1.8 m). This meant she didn't sit very deep in the water, allowing her to sail in shallow areas.
Vigilant was launched in March 1791. She was likely the very first cutter to be put into the water. However, she wasn't the first to start her official duties. Her first patrol began in December 1791. Her first captain, called a master, was Patrick Dennis. He was chosen for the job on October 6, 1790. Captain Dennis also helped to supervise the building of the ship. He served as her master until he passed away on February 9, 1798.
The Vigilant was given specific areas to patrol. These included New York Harbor, the coasts of New York and New Jersey, Long Island Sound, and even the Hudson River as far north as Albany, New York.
On November 14, 1798, the Vigilant was sold for £348. The Revenue Cutter Service decided that the ship was not big enough to do all the jobs they needed her to do. After she was sold, no one knows what happened to the Vigilant.
Other Early Cutters
- USRC Scammel (1791)
- USRC Active (1791)
- USRC General Green (1791)
- USRC Massachusetts (1791)
- USRC Argus (1791)
- USRC Virginia (1791)
- USRC Diligence (1791)
- USRC South Carolina (1791)
- USRC Eagle (1791)
