I’ve seen many, many American flags out lately, of course, and lots of variations (the one with the 13 stars in a circle is my favorite), and I think it’s really neat to drive through a neighborhood and see a flag on every house.
But now I’ve started seeing the “Don’t Tread On Me” flags (with the coiled snake) quite a bit, usually displayed right alongside of the American flag.
What is the significance of that flag?
“Don’t mess with me” ?
“Back off” ?
It’s also called the Gadsden’s Flag after its designer Christopher Gadsden
The flag was used during the American Revolution. Besides a rattlesnake being unique to the Americas the rest of your thoughts are about dead-on.
In short…don’t mess with me or I WILL bite!
Thanks to both of you.
I did go do a Google-search after I posted and found quite a few of the Christopher Gadsden links.
So, I guess it is being flown as a “Bite Me” to Osama bin Laden?
I vaguely remember learning this stuff back in high school history class, but rarely see the flag. I know there used to be a couple variations on display at the local library branch, but never go to that location anymore, so I had sort of forgotten about it.
The picture of the snake was from Ben Franklin’s paper, credited as the first political cartoon from the colonies.
Both of these were VERY popular during the bicentennial.
Yikes! I just did the math and realized that this was 25 years ago!! Darn I feel old now.
Double Yikes! I was 12 in 1976. Thanks a lot, Spritle.
BTW, I’ve always liked your sig…
Franklin’s picture was a snake in 13 pieces, with the inscription “Join or Die.”
I fly the Betsy Ross model, and every now and then somebody will tell me it’s not a legal flag. In fact, every flag that was once a current US flag is legit, including Don’t Tread On Me and the seldom-seen Pine Tree.
–Nott
Is that the one with the stars in a circle?
If not, which is it?
I like that one. I need to get one for my house.
On September 11th, 2001 I was too shocked to do much of anything. The next day I tried to find a Gadsden flag. Of course the local flag store didn’t have any; so I decided to fly the National Ensign.
I think the Gadsden Flag sends the perfect message. Why? A rattlesnake will try to avoid a human being, and will often or usually give a warning. If you step (tread) on it anyway, you will be bitten.
So Kinsey, you got it right. The flag says, “Mess with me, and we’ll open a can o’ whoop-ass on ya!” Or put another way, “Attack at your own peril.”
It most certainly was not, it is in 8 pieces. New England was grouped together, and Georgia was completely absent.
Cite