What year did the Coast Guard involvement in the Civil War begin?

The correct answer is 1861 because that is the year when the United States Coast Guard, then known as the Revenue Cutter Service, officially became involved in the Civil War. With the outbreak of the conflict, the Revenue Cutter Service was tasked with enforcing the Union blockade of Confederate ports, which was a critical component of the Union's strategy to weaken the Confederacy. The cutters were repurposed for military service and engaged in a variety of naval actions, highlighting their adaptability and significance during this tumultuous period in American history. The involvement began in April 1861 when hostilities erupted, positioning the Coast Guard as an integral part of the Union's maritime capabilities throughout the war.