Positioned below the rattlesnake are the words "Dont tread on me". Christopher Gadsden designed the Gadsden flag in 1775, this is what we think of today when we hear the phrase, “Don’t tread on me”. It features a yellow background and a coiled rattlesnake that appears prepared to strike. In contrast with today’s perceptions of the Gadsden flag, early Americans looked to it as a representation of their unity and strength in that unification. In the fall of 1775, the British were occupying Boston and the young Continental Army was holed up in Cambridge, lacking the necessary supplies to last through the season. The noticeable flag is everywhere today, from personal vehicles to storefronts to signs. Where does the madness end? People may avoid displaying the image because they’re unsure how others around them will interpret the action. The rattlesnake represented an American population that was united, docile unless provoked, and deadly to step on. If you don’t already own one, you’ve likely seen a Don’t Tread on Me sticker, hat, car decal, shirt, or flag at some point during your life. Eventually, the Minnesota man was able to vote, but the election worker took down his information after the disagreement. But perhaps what’s most intriguing about the Don’t Tread on Me message is the fact that banning it from polling places, political debates, and flags flies in the face of what Gadsden and other colonial Americans intended when they revolted against Great Britain. The investigation concluded that use of a symbol could be harassment, depending on the context. But the other piece of Americans’ attraction to the flag was likely its use of an edgier and dangerous symbol. Welcome to the Battle of Bunker Hill. It’s possible that the Gadsden flag could soon be part of the blacklisted symbols from American history. As you may recall, the colonies that were once under the power of Great Britain revolted between 1765 and 1783. Though the use of the rattlesnake could hold many meanings, its origins tell one specific story. As recorded in the South Carolina congressional journals: "Col. Gadsden presented to the Congress an elegant standard, such as is to be used by the commander in chief of the American navy; being a yellow field, with a lively representation of a rattle-snake in the middle, in the attitude of going to strike, and these words underneath, "Don't Tread on Me!". Of course, when would an adversary ever be afraid of a word or a pine tree? That said, it may have been a more common phrase back then, while today it’s less familiar. The yellow flag with a rattlesnake and the words "Don't Tread On Me," was flown by Hopkins from his flagship the USS Alfred and hoisted by Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones. At that time, one could assume that the phrase and ideology of the flag were the same was in the 1700s: don’t mess with the United States or you’re in trouble. That doesn’t necessarily matter though. But you could also argue that we have a bigger and better symbol of American unity, strength, and righteousness- the Stars and Stripes. That motto became part of the Gadsden flag—the same symbol that, 242 years later, is now being considered racist. Originally introduced during the American Revolution, the flag has since become associated with libertarianism and the Tea Party movementin the 21st century. Part of the Gadsden flag’s appeal was no doubt the notoriety of Franklin’s symbolism. That’s true of any emblem, flag, or another object throughout history. Our flags intended for patriotic cheer—like the Gadsden Flag—are being considered racist. Here are a few notes on the flag’s symbolism, written by his friend and colleague, Ben Franklin. Some caution that because Christopher Gadsden was a slave owner, people who fly his flag may be perceived as racist. Possibly the most common interpretation of the Gadsden flag today involves gun ownership and rights. This was the … One of the roles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is to attend to hostile work environment claims brought against federal agencies. This was the year before the declaration of independence was signed. The Gadsden flag certainly was a symbol of rebellion in it’s original meaning. Although it doesn’t suggest any racist ideals, and in fact, many slave owners collaborated on our Constitution, it’s still a historical indicator of past values. It’s been around for hundreds of years, but where did the flag and its message come from? Gadsden, who was often called “the Sam Adams of the South,” was delegate to the Stamp Act Congress, delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, and commander of the 1st South Carolina Regiment of the Continental Army. Political groups or parties may hold an opinion based on whether they use and agree with the underlying message of the flag. Especially striking was Franklin’s suggestion that in response to Great Britain sending convicted criminals to the US, so Americans should send back rattlesnakes. Today, the Gadsden flag has found supporters in several areas as a symbol of patriotism, American pride, disagreement with a tyrannical government, and the support of civil liberties, particularly gun ownership in our current political climate. Although Ben Franklin made plenty of satirical comments about rattlesnakes, no one seems to attribute the iconic quote to him. The yellow Gadsden flag became a popular symbol used by the Tea Party movement in 2009 and has sometimes been associated with libertarianism. To accompany the Navy on their first mission, Congress also authorized the mustering of five companies of Marines. Chris Frenchak has over 20 years of firearms experience between sporting and responsible concealed carry applications. The rumor is that Colonel Gadsden presented the Navy commander-in-chief, Esek Hopkins, with a yellow Don’t Tread on Me flag for his own use. Of course, that reference comes from the revolutionary-era Gadsden flag. Because of its creator’s history and because it is commonly flown alongside “Trump 2020” flags, the Confederate battle flag and other white-supremacist … And I also have a t-shirt with the Gadsden flag on it. While some sources give credit to Commodore Esek Hopkins for the flag’s origins, the consensus is that Gadsden created and distributed the flag. The anonymous writer claimed that a co-worker was committing racial harassment by donning the hat, and the EEOC agreed to look into it. Others use the image in politically-driven products or promotional materials. But the Tea Party, which destroyed 342 chests of “taxed” tea, only caused more issues with Great Britain and its perceived control over the colonies. But leading up to the revolution, a few critical issues stirred the pot. Christopher Gadsden owned and sold slaves, according to historians, and although he called slavery a “crime” in a speech, his behavior didn’t change. Christopher Gadsden was an American patriot. It’s also a … No, the controversy surrounding the Gadsden flag is still relatively nebulous. The Gadsden Flag is a proud and noble symbol of American patriotism and resistance to tyranny. U.S. history is being rewritten and forever changed. Specifically, regarding the Second Amendment, many people proudly display the Don’t Tread on Me flag as a way of asserting their right to gun ownership in a political climate where it seems no rights are guaranteed. The icon appealed to those groups because of its representation of the limits of government intervention in favor of individual rights. Unfortunately, despite the original designer’s intent, every object, however patriotic, is up for interpretation today. However, it’s more about today’s perception of the flag than its original creator’s message. Regardless, both his and Hopkins’ names most often earn credit for the origins of the rattlesnake concept and yellow background. The comparison is apt as they both represent responding with force to perceived threats, but I have always preferred the Gadsden flag as the perfect expression of subtle defiance and resistance. Y’all know, the yellow flag with the coiled snake. There’s also the use of the Gadsden flag as a symbol for various political parties or motivations. Here’s more about the controversy surrounding our modern-day Gadsden flags. Though the Gadsden flag has, at times, been used to communicate racial messages. Still, its underlying meaning still alluded to the colonial Americans as their own people and nation. In America’s birth, there is not only a strong sense of pride but also a sense of independence and dedication to what’s right. That connection was enough for the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission to investigate a case where an employee complained about a co-worker wearing a hat with the Gadsden flag on it. But where did it come from, what does it mean, and how are people’s perceptions of it changing today? Though it appears to have hibernated for a while, new versions of the Gadsden flag became popular shortly after 9/11. While one could argue that the origins of the Gadsden flag speak for themselves, it seems that there is more to its creation than was once thought. Gadsden, a colonel in the Continental Army, is believed to have gifted … Gadsden led the Sons of Liberty as early as 1765, later become a colonel in the Continental Army, and served in the Continental Congress. Complainant stated that he found the cap to be racially offensive to African Americans because the flag was designed by Christopher Gadsden, a “slave trader & owner of slaves.”. His state, Minnesota, maintains a ban on political apparel at the polls, and the court argued whether the shirt and its message counted as political in nature. And these modern uses affect any current meaning the flag holds. It was here that Washington's troops—the young continental army—had been so low on gunpowder that they were ordered "not to fire until you see the whites of their eyes.". In another case, a man who wore a T-shirt with the flag and slogan into a polling place was initially refused access to the polls because of his attire. Because of its use in modern times as a political statement, the Gadsden flag has become something of a controversial symbol. To do so, they quickly authorized the creation of a Continental Navy, starting with four ships, including the merchant ship that carried the information from England. Soon enough, a merchant ship was returning to Philadelphia from a voyage to England. The Gadsden flag is one of at least three kinds of flags created by independence-minded colonists in the run-up to the Revolutionary War… He praised their constant vigilance and the animal’s innate instinct not to attack unless provoked. Franklin made references to rattlesnakes in his political commentary, but at the same time, the serpent became a symbol of the then-young American colonies. The Gadsden Flag represents a time when America was in the process of fighting for its’ freedom and therefore a very important representation of American history. In a recent case, there was a formal complaint against a federal Agency where the complaint alleged that the Agency subjected him to discrimination on the basis of race (African American). A plan was hatched by Washington and the Second Continental Congress to capture the cargo ships. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage, The rattle = the number of the Colonies united in America. But after Nazis adopted it, the emblem lost its appeal across our country and the world. An opportunity to capture supplies that they couldn’t afford not to capitalize on. Individual interpretations aside, the overall meaning of the flag could apply to nearly any situation in which an American person’s rights are at risk. Whether it means resistance against government overreach or something similarly patriotic, that’s to the individual to decide. It was here that Washington's troops—the young continental army—had been so low on gunpowder that they were ordered \"not to fire until you see the whites of their eyes.\"Soon enough, a merchant ship was returning to Philad… Beyond these symbols, however, every American should recognize the responsibility that comes with the rights we have, from free speech to gun ownership and beyond. An individual may purchase a sticker, flag, or apparel to show their support for the Second Amendment, free speech, or any other right they want to endorse. While every American is free to interpret the Gadsden flag any way that they want, there are limitations on the use of the imagery when it comes to others’ rights. From stickers and vinyl decals for vehicles, windows, and other surfaces to t-shirts and other clothing sporting the slogan, you can find a Don’t Tread on Me quote for any occasion. The bright yellow Gadsden flag, long a symbol of support for civil liberties and disagreement with government, has its beginning deeply rooted in the days of the American Revolution. The EEOC had already decided that wearing a Confederate flag T-shirt constituted punishable harassment, but they also extended that ruling to other political speech. By the time American general Christopher Gadsden designed the flag, Franklin’s metaphor had taken on a life of its own. The Gadsden flag is a historical American flag with a yellow field depicting a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. They used the symbol of the rattlesnake as a warning to Great Britain (and other powers) that they would not submit. The rattlesnake, the Gadsden flag’s central feature, had been an emblem of Americans even before the Revolution. Benjamin Franklin’s commentary and “art,” featuring a rattlesnake cut into sections as colonies and imploring colonists to “join or die,” spoke for many Americans at the time. The Gadsden flag is full of history and meaning. Complainant backed-up his claim stating that the Gadsden Flag is a “historical indicator of white resentment against blacks stemming largely from the Tea Party.” He also noted that the Vice President of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters cited the Gadsden Flag as the equivalent of the Confederate Battle Flag when he successfully had it removed from a New Haven, Connecticut, fire department flagpole. While Franklin didn’t get his wish, the Gadsden Flag did find a place as the personal standard of Commodore Hopkins. The latest firearms reviews, gear reviews and safe shooting tips for responsible gun owners. But at the same time, people posing with the Confederate flag while committing crimes or expressing hate have served to change the meaning of the historic symbol. In recent news, both the Gadsden Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance, two bol... Sign up to receive our daily email and get 50% off your first purchase. In most cases, historians agree that the Gadsden flag is not racist. During the time of unrest leading up to the American Revolution, colonial Americans were unhappy with Great Britain’s control over them. Sadly, this isn’t the first time that a flag has been considered racist. In 2012, the EEOC ruled that co-workers wearing Confederate flag T-shirts can be subject to punishable harassment. Christopher Gadsden designed the Gadsden flag in 1775, this is what we think of today when we hear the phrase, “ Don’t tread on me ”. Fortunately, the resulting Revolutionary War eventually got the colonial Americans’ point across. It’s no secret that Gadsden made his money as a merchant in South Carolina, and both owned and sold slaves. Overall, these court cases struggle to pinpoint modern society’s interpretation of the flag and the message depending on the circumstances and setting in each event. It is a wonderful symbol of our country’s strength and willpower leading to becoming the free and powerful country it is today. “Don’t tread on me”, pretty self-explanatory, I think. Chris is continuing a legacy of support for our rights by working with his family to increase firearms education and awareness as the lead editor of GunBacker. He led Sons of Liberty in South Carolina starting in 1765, and was later made a colonel in the Continental Army. The Gadsden Flag is a symbol of American independence and freedom, which includes a fierce rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike, with thirteen rattles, and a defiant "Don't Tread on Me" motto. Interesting point, I have a Gadsden flag patch on my Victory motorcycle vest. From its humble beginnings adorning the side of drums to its universal and ubiquitous appeal today among preppers, libertarians and advocates of small-government, the Gadsden flag’s yellow banner and ferocious rattlesnake will persist for centuries more. On board were private letters to the Second Continental Congress that informed Washington’s troops that the British government was sending two ships their way loaded with arms and gunpowder. Today’s traditional American values of independence and bravery originated in the desires colonial Americans had to govern and defend themselves. The message was clear: leave America to create its own future, and you won’t see retribution. Yellow Gadsden flag, prominent in Capitol takeover, carries a long and shifting history Gone is the original intent to unite the states to fight an outside oppressor. The Gadsden Flag. Then, of course, there was the Boston Tea Party in 1773. It was used by the Continental Marines and is often used in the United States by conservatives as a symbol for limited government. The “Join, or Die” illustration was first published in 1754 by Benjamin Franklin as a political cartoon for the Pennsylvania Gazette, an ... Colorado became the 38th state 100 years after the United States’ birth, earning an apt nickname in the process: the Centennial State. Gadsden also presented Congress with a copy of the flag, which congressional journals recorded. When the colonies banded together to fight for their rights to govern themselves, they created an “alternative” government. According to the complaint, in the fall of 2013, a coworker repeatedly wore a cap to work with an insignia of the Gadsden Flag. There is some disagreement over whether Gadsden saw the flag and copied it or created the original version to distribute. No one is sure if his flag inspired the drums or if the drums inspired Hopkins. To get a clearer picture of what the Gadsden Flag symbol was actually intended for, let’s take a brief look at the history of the flag, and it’s maker, Christopher Gadsden. Many Second Amendment supporters, including gun owners, use the symbolism of the rattlesnake and the historical quote on apparel or other products with gun owner rights images or wording. What means one thing to one person may signify something entirely different to another. As a firm believer in the natural rights of man*, I choose to see the benefit of … With the emergence of the Stars and Stripes design for the United States flag, Gadsden’s creation became a “Revolutionary relic.” However, like other symbols from the past, this one, too, has seemed to change over time. In a way, the Gadsden flag is the perfect symbol of those values, if you choose to take it at its original meaning. Without a concrete understanding of its history, it’s easy to see how the flag may not convey the same ideals as it once did. In recent news, both the Gadsden Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance, two bold expressions of freedom and independence for the American people, have been opposed, bringing attention to unjustified racial resentment. Historians point to Christopher Gadsden — a slave-owning South Carolinian — as the namesake for the iconic yellow flag. Because Great Britain is no longer a threat, does that mean the flag should fade into obscurity as a Revolutionary relic? Instead, here’s the real story you need to be reading. Another flag included a pine tree and the slogan “An Appeal To Heaven.”. The rattlesnake was a general symbol of American independence at the time, which came from this famous political cartoon that every American student sees at at least one point in their life. “Independence-minded colonists” created flags that advertised “Liberty” on a range of backdrops. Although the Gadsden flag came about during the Revolutionary War, other flags alluded to the war and didn’t attract as much attention. Chris is a member of multiple pro-second amendment organizations including USCCA, NRA, and just as importantly, his local range. GunBacker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Though it’s an interesting case, we’ll save the details for another time. The Gadsden Flag was intentionally designed not to convey a racist message, but a patriotic one. While Gadsden’s link to slavery doesn’t mean the flag had anything to do with the practice, the fact that he was a slave owner is significant to many people. Although Franklin’s “join or die” caption may have referred to uniting the colonies against the Natives, it later became a colonial catchphrase to encourage a stand against the British. Possibly the most common interpretation of the Gadsden flag today involves gun ownership and rights. However, many people are reluctant to fly the Gadsden flag because of emerging controversy and disagreement over the symbolism. While the flag itself is older than many of our other American traditions and symbols, it has much more than one simple history or meaning. Many of the military successes of the American Revolution were brought about by a man who was christened the title of General, yet, he h... Before 1956, the United States Army was the only branch of the military without an official flag to decorate it. He was also one of three members of the Marine Committee. In 1775, he was in Philadelphia representing his home state in the Continental Congress. Gadsden presented a copy of his flag to his state legislature in Charleston. The rattlesnake also has sharp eyes, and "may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance. Welcome to the Battle of Bunker Hill. The Gadsden flag can now be found on bumper stickers, morale patches, and Facebook cover photos around the country, and even around the world wherever Americana and a desire for civil liberties, including gun ownership. The Gadsden flag is often described as the American equivalent of the Spartan “ molon labe ” (“come and take [them]”) motto. Ultimately, it depends on both who you ask and how the imagery is being used. Likely, you have been reading news stories about how wearing the Gadsden Flag could be punishable harassment or how Colin Kaepernick didn’t stand during the national anthem. However, there is no apparent source for the original quote. The Gadsden flag has larger mainstream appeal, and the historic yellow banner became the symbol of the Tea Party movement. It was created during a time of war and symbolized the willingness of Americans to fight for independence.It is essential to know the true meaning of the flag and not to confuse it with racist acts or groups.What do you think about the flag?Please leave a comment below and share with us your opinion. Like any other symbol or phrase, the iconic Don’t Tread On Me quote and its flag have become murky in meaning over time. Because it is commonly flown alongside “Trump 2020” flags and the Confederate battle flag, some may now see the Gadsden flag as a symbol of intolerance and hate – … When it comes to speech, it’s even harder to connect racially-charged intent with the apparel someone is wearing. With the alliance of France and other countries, the Thirteen Colonies fought for and won their independence and officially became the United States of America. Officially Colonel Christopher Gadsden, the man we know as the original designer of today’s Don’t Tread on Me flag was an American patriot. Here’s everything you need to know about the Don’t Tread on Me meaning, history, and modern interpretation. Many companies have created hats, apparel, updated flags, and many other items for fans of the Gadsden flag, but many people have reservations about purchasing and displaying such products. There’s also the fact that today’s Tea Party also uses the imagery, but the use of a political party’s imagery isn’t, on its own, an act of racial harassment. One answer involves history. Some of the Marines that enlisted that month in Philadelphia were carrying drums painted yellow, emblazoned with a fierce rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike, with thirteen rattles, and sporting the motto "Don't Tread on Me.". As it was initially intended, the meaning of the Don’t Tread on Me flag is full of both American bravado and pride. The Gadsden Flag was named after American general and politician Christopher Gadsden (1724–1805), who designed it in 1775 during the American Revolution. Though in its original form, the Don’t Tread on Me symbol appeared on a flag, it’s available in other formats today. The Gadsden flag features a coiled rattlesnake on a yellow field over the famous motto. For example, the use of the swastika began long before the Nazis took it over. In the fall of 1775, the British were occupying Boston and the young Continental Army was holed up in Cambridge, lacking the necessary supplies to last through the season. Particularly in modern times, the Gadsden flag has been flown in the hands of many different races. Still, Great Britain didn’t give up easily. Such as when, in June 2014, assailants with connections to white supremacist groups draped the bodies of two murdered police officers with the Gadsden flag during their shooting spree. To find the answer, we need to delve into the history of the United States before, during, and after the American Revolution. The rattlesnake represented an American population, Christopher Gadsden owned and sold slaves, a Confederate flag T-shirt constituted punishable harassment, The Betsy Ross Flag: History of the Flag and Why It Is Still Important Today, Military Medical Systems That Could Save Your Life, Best Handgun Calibers for Beginners: Shooting a Pistol For the First Time, Best AR-15 Scopes and Optics: Tactical Reviews, Palmetto State Armory Releases PSA AR-V – A 9mm PCC, The Best Shotguns For Home Defense: Keep Your Family Safe, Kestrel Ballistics Meters and HUD: A Long Range Review, Best 9mm Pistols: The Top 10 Semi-Automatic Handguns, Springfield Hellcat Review: A Budget Friendly Micro-Compact Handgun, Taurus G2S Review: Conceal Carry on a Budget. Gadsden Flag The Gadsden Flag was created by South Carolina Congressman Christopher Gadsden for the first Commander-in-Chief of the United States Navy, Esek Hopkins. The overly-sensitive employee “maintains that the Gadsden Flag is a ‘historical indicator of white resentment against blacks stemming largely from … Both he and Franklin were staunch American patriots. In the past, it meant a unity against Great Britain, which colonial politicians and military members saw as the ultimate threat and usurper of rights. Many assume that the phrase is cautioning the government and other people in general against trying to take rights away from gun owners. Further comparisons pit the Gadsden flag against the Confederate battle flag. In the 1970’s, Americans saw a resurgence in the symbolism of the rattlesnake in some Libertarian groups. "DON'T TREAD ON ME" PLEASE SHAREI put this information together to inform people of the true meaning behind the Gadsden flag. Many assume that the phrase is cautioning the government and other people in general against trying to take rights away from gun owners. Critics of the Gadsden flag suggest that it’s not the original meaning of a symbol or object, but instead the current perception. But that does not change the fact that the flag has been — and continues to be — used by racists and fanatics to represent their disgusting aims. Bu... America’s patriotic integrity is being called into question. While the EEOC reviewed the record, they came to a conclusion that the Gadsden Flag originated in the Revolutionary War in a non-racial context. wearing the Gadsden Flag could be punishable harassment, Colin Kaepernick didn’t stand during the national anthem, Gadsden Flag as the equivalent of the Confederate Battle Flag, draped the bodies of two murdered police officers with the Gadsden flag, wearing Confederate flag T-shirts can be subject to punishable harassment, George Washington: The Hero Behind the Revolutionary War, The Flag of the United States Army: What it Symbolizes, "JOIN, OR DIE" - A Symbolic Banner in America's History, The Rattlesnake is found in no other quarter of the world besides America. Through discussions over the symbolic meaning of the flag and its catchphrase, historians suggest that the phrase itself came from anti-British sentiments. Companies of Marines then, while today it ’ s to the flag copied... 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