During the Civil War, Revenue Cutters were involved in which combination of duties?

• A. Blockade along the Atlantic coast, Chesapeake Bay, and Potomac River and transport of troops and supplies
• B. Long-range bombardment and mining operations
• C. Diplomatic missions and training naval reserves
• D. Anti-piracy patrols along the Pacific coast only

Answer: (A)

Blockade enforcement along the Atlantic coast, Chesapeake Bay, and Potomac River, plus transport of troops and supplies, captures what Revenue Cutters did in the Civil War. These ships served as part of the Union blockade, patrolling key waterways to intercept Confederate commerce and blockade runners while also moving soldiers, ammunition, rations, and medical supplies to support campaigns and to ferry reinforcements where needed. They weren’t built for long-range bombardment or mining operations, which were the realm of Navy gunboats and specialized fleets. They also didn’t focus on diplomatic missions or exclusively Pacific-coast duties—their wartime role centered on enforcing the blockade and assisting transport along the Atlantic coast and major inland waterways.