USRC Harrison was the lead ship of her topsail schooner class, which was built and operated by the United States Revenue-Marine, later Revenue Cutter Service, between 1849 and 1856.

[1][2] A proposal by John Carrick for the cutter's construction at Erie, Pennsylvania[3] was accepted on 16 October 1848.

[1] The Harrison would be stationed at Oswego, New York for her entire career until her disposition in 1856.

On 12 November 1852 she was damaged by a storm, requiring repairs estimated to be worth $1,280.

[2][1] On 6 October 1856 she was auctioned to Messrs. Merry and Gay for $1,690 after it was authorized by the United States Congress.