A Symbol of American PatriotismOne of the most recognized historical flags today, the Gadsden flag, with its signature coiled rattlesnake, has roots dating back to the American Revolution. In recent years, this bright yellow flag has become the subject of controversy. Many claim it is a symbol of racism or anarchy because of its ties to the confederate army during the civil war (see the EEOC ruling on the complaints against United States Postal Service). But what’s the real meaning behind the “don’t tread on me” flag?The Origins in Colonial AmericaThe original design was created by Christopher Gadsden, a Charleston, South Carolina patriot and eventual brigadier general. It served as a bold statement against British tyranny, warning any who would dare infringe upon American liberty. The rattlesnake symbol had been previously popularized by Benjamin Franklin in his "Join, or Die" political cartoon, published in the Pennsylvania Gazette to promote unity among the American colonies. The cartoon displayed a snake broken into 8 pieces, each representing a coastal state or group of states of the 13 colonies. The 8 segments included New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North and South Carolina. Georgia was excluded, but also missing from this political cartoon was Franklin’s trademark humor. Rather, this was more of a warning to the English sympathizers. The symbol of the rattlesnake quickly spread across the colonies.The rattlesnake, native to the eastern American colonies, represented vigilance and readiness to strike when provoked. With 13 rattles on the Timber rattlesnake, each rattle symbolized a colony, collectively warning against oppression. The rattlesnake is also seen as a a noble animal because it will only strike when provoked and gives warning before doing so.In 1775, with the AmericanRevolutionary War looming, Gadsden presented his flag to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where it was adopted as a maritime standard for the newly formed Navy under Commodore Esek Hopkins. It was flown from the mast of Hopkins' flagship, the USS Alfred, and other ships in the fleet, becoming an enduring icon of American defiance against British rule. The sea-going troops that bore this flag later became the Continental Marines.The Gadsden Flag's imagery was not just a naval symbol but also deeply rooted in the spirit of the Minutemen and Continental Army, who carried the flagpole high as they battled for independence from Britain. After the war, the rattlesnake flag became a staple of American patriotism, embraced by groups advocating for liberty, such as the Tea Party movement.What Does “Don’t Tread on Me” Mean?The motto itself can hardly be separated from the snake because of the symbolism. To tread on is to step on, walk on, trample, or crush. With the imagery of a rattlesnake in mind, one certainly wouldn’t walk on a poisonous snake. If they were foolish enough, they’d pay the consequences. To the colonists, the motto was a warning, much like the rattle, to not step on the rights and freedoms of the colonists or you’ll get more than you bargained for. This is why supporters of Donald Trump and libertarians alike have embraced the motto. They, too, want to protect their liberties from government overreach. From the 1700’s to today, American patriots, along with the Gadsden flag, stand for the same thing, freedom for all.Variations of the Gadsden FlagNavy JackIn addition to the yellow background with a coiled rattlesnake, a Continental Navy variant used had a red and white-striped background with a rattlesnake outstretched. Although the belief is widespread, there’s no evidence to support that this flag was truly flown by the Navy.Modern VariationsIn modern times, more variations of the Gadsden flag have come forth. One variation shows a porcupine rather than a snake. Another shows multiple rattlesnakes. In some cases, the motto has been changed to say “Don’t Tread on Anyone.”The Gadsden Flag TodayToday, the Gadsden Flag remains a potent and popular symbol of individualism, freedom, and vigilance. It is often displayed at rallies and on license plates, celebrating American values from Washington, D.C. to the capitols of Virginia, Georgia, and New York. Despite its association with various movements throughout history, its central message, "Don't Tread on Me," endures as a rallying cry for those who cherish liberty. Whether flying alongside the Stars and Stripes or independently, the Gadsden Flag symbolizes America's undaunted spirit.More and more frequently, you’ll find specialty license plates honoring the “don’t tread on me” flag. Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and many others have made this license plate available. Most recently, Idaho approved the use of the specialty license plate as well.At PublicSquare, you’ll find many iterations of the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag from businesses that love the USA. Whether you want a flag to fly under the American flag on your flag pole, or you want to represent the American values represented by the flag with a hat, you’ll find what you need on PublicSquare.
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