Massachusetts erected the first lighthouse in what would become the United States on a small island in Boston Harbor in 1716. The following year a cannon was put on the island to be fired in fog and storms. Boston Light became both the first lighthouse and the first fog signal in the country.

Following ratification of the Constitution of the United States, Congress met for the first time beginning on March 4th 1789. Of course the major concerns for the new country centered on forming the government and paying the extensive debt accrued during their fight for independence. However, realizing the importance of navigation to the growing country, Congress, as the ninth law passed an act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers on August 7th, 1789.

7 August is a great day to celebrate Coast Guard Day because on 7 August 1789 “President Washington approved the Act of Congress which gave the Federal Government responsibility for maintenance, and repair of all lighthouse beacons and buoys and launched the national government upon its course of guarding the coast in interest of safety and security afloat. With this the Lighthouse service, first of several Coast Guard agencies, emerged into public usefulness and esteem.

The act directed expenses that shall accrue from and after the 15th day of August, 1789, in the necessary support, maintenance and repairs of all lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers erected, placed, or sunk before the passing of this act, at the entrance of, or within any bay, inlet, harbor, or port of the United States, for rendering the navigation thereof easy and safe, shall be defrayed out of the treasury of the United States.

The act further stated that it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide contracts for building a lighthouse near the entrance of Chesapeake Bay, and for building when necessary, and keeping in good repair, the lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers in the several states, and for furnishing the same with all necessary supplies; and also to agree for the salaries, wages, or hire of person or persons appointed by the President, for the superintendence and care of the same.

The Lighthouse Service was born.

Almost a year later Congress would authorize the building of Revenue Cutters on August 4th 1790.

CDR W. Christian Adams
DCO-ES
Deputy Commandant for Operations
Executive Support, Chief
HQ: 3J15-17

H-19 Night Orders – CG Day 07 Aug 1789