USS Mayflower (1866)

The USS Mayflower was a screw steamer built in 1866 by Harlan and Hollingsworth of Wilmington, Delaware. She initially served as a revenue cutter for the United States Revenue Cutter Service (later the United States Coast Guard).

The Mayflower was primarily tasked with enforcing customs laws, patrolling coastal waters, and assisting vessels in distress. She operated along the Atlantic coast, playing a crucial role in preventing smuggling and ensuring maritime safety. Throughout her service with the Revenue Cutter Service, the Mayflower underwent several modifications and upgrades to maintain her operational capabilities.

In 1897, the Mayflower was transferred to the United States Navy. She was subsequently used as a dispatch boat and presidential yacht. As a presidential yacht, the Mayflower served Presidents McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and Taft. She provided a venue for official meetings, diplomatic functions, and presidential leisure. The ship was known for its opulent interiors and served as a symbol of American power and prestige.

During World War I, the Mayflower was painted gray and assigned to patrol duties, guarding the Atlantic coast against German U-boats. Following the war, she was returned to her role as a presidential yacht.

The Mayflower was decommissioned by the Navy in 1929 and sold into private ownership. After passing through several hands and undergoing various modifications, the ship was eventually scrapped in 1931. While the original USS Mayflower no longer exists, her legacy remains as a vessel that served multiple roles for the United States government, particularly as a presidential yacht during a significant period in American history.