‘Don’t Tread On Me’ holds a deep meaning inside the true blooded American. The Gadsden flag, of less commonly called the Hopkins flag, is draped in yellow, with a snake in the center coiling upward as the words ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ are written on the bottom. It was noted that the creator of the Gadsden flag, Esek Hopkins, had gathered his idea from the 15th century. In further research, there is a flag during the 15th century of interest which portrays a snake slithering around a key. In much obvious research, the snake has been a part of the world since the story of Adam and Eve. However, the words “don’t tread on me” was noted as being widely used amongst upcoming Patriots during the early to mid-eighteenth century. As a moment in history unfolds in time, we travel back to the eighteenth century.
The Gadsden Flag
1765 was a compliment to Christopher Gadsden, for he would lead the Sons of Liberty in South Carolina. Mr. Gadsden had much to do in the Continental Army along with being a part of a three man Marine Committee. Both, Gadsden and Congress chose Esek Hopkins as the commander-in-chief of the Navy. Hopkin’s flag was presented by Christopher Gadsden, then Mr. Gadsden took the flag to Charleston to his state legislature. Within the South Carolina congressional journals, one can find:
“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 rattlesnake in the middle, in the attitude of going to strike, and these words underneath, “Don’t Tread on Me!”
America did not go by one flag, therefore many different snake designs were used. In Culpeper County, Virginia, the Minutemen chose a flag that appears somewhat like the Gadsden flag. The phrase is the difference, as it reads “Liberty or Death”. These words came from Patrick Henry, a man who organized the Virginia militia as well as being a part of the Sons of Liberty. Although, the Rattlesnake always seemed to remain.
Birth of Defense
The days full of work, and nights full of lanterns as the words “don’t tread on me” trickled down from Patriot to Patriot. The world changes unexpectedly as another country demands financial gain in every measure. The demanding country decides to punish those who do not follow by their rule resulting in the transportation of criminals to the ‘punished’ land. The children live through endless days of uncertainty, as the parents battle the enforcers of the outlandish rule, all for the sake of freedom. “Don’t Tread On Me” guided confidence amongst American Revolutionaries while they fought to discontinue being under the ridiculous British Rule.
Dating back to 1751, the British Rule taunted America by the act of transporting criminals to American soil. Benjamin Franklin responded with the appreciation by stating America should send back Rattlesnakes. The Pony Express did pass the word, as Americans agreed with Benjamin’s logic of attack. What’s good for the Goose, is surely pay back to the Gander. One can only imagine what the British would have said if there were ‘SNAKES ON BOATS’.
Back up Jack, It’s 1775!
Back to the American Revolution, in the Delaware River, the first ships in the Continental Navy remain on guard for America. The First Navy Jack included thirteen stripes and a non-coiled snake. The Navy was established for the purpose of driving back their enemies by water in order to protect the great land of America and those within her. The First Navy Jack was a symbol of it’s meaning, ‘Don’t Tread On Me’.
During the 1775 establishment of the interception onto British ships, the Second Continental Congress authorized five companies of Marines to join the Navy on their first mission. The first marines came from Philly, otherwise known as Philadelphia. The Philly boys carried drums painted in yellow, including a coiled rattlesnake with thirteen rattles along with the motto ‘Don’t Tread On Me’.
For the people that have not yet heard of the Gadsden flag, Benjamin Franklin sparked the uneducated minds. Ben’s response on other uses for the Rattlesnake’s ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ was captured while he observed the Philly marines carrying the drums. He wrote: “I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, ‘Don’t tread on me.’ As I know it is the custom to have some device on the arms of every country, I supposed this may have been intended for the arms of America.” – Benjamin Franklin
Rattled Reinforcement
Benjamin Franklin shared his views on the Rattlesnake by way of publishing an essay in the Pennsylvania Journal under the name American Guesser.
“I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eyelids. She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. As if anxious to prevent all pretensions of quarreling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; even when those weapons are shewn and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal: Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her. Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?”
– American Guesser / Benjamin Franklin, 1775
Pennsylvania Journal
Also in 1775, America created her Navy to intercept the British ships before they could transport any British war supplies upon American soil. A war worth fighting as the Sons of Liberty carried ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ close to their hearts. The Sons of Liberty has been noted to be the enforcers to the British intruders along with being the masterminds behind the Boston Tea Party, with the help of Indian costumes. On Thursday, December 16, 1773 the Sons of Liberty dressed as Narragansett Indians and stood with stolen bricks of tea, swiped from the British East India Company. The ‘Indians’ tossed those bricks, and ran like hell. The waters were full of tons of tea, literally. It took weeks for the bricks to drift upon shore. The Boston Tea Party was said to have been the slickest party in town.
The Sons of Liberty also were known to tar and feather the British when the British demanded face to face. And like a snake, the Patriots bit back when confronted with hostile intent. All for America, ‘Home of the Brave’ and land of the free, and by the way, don’t tread on me!
You have already read that Christopher Gadsden played a part within the Sons of Liberty, but do these other names ring a bell? John Hancock, Isaac Sears, Thomas Young, Paul Revere, James Otis, Marinus Willett, Joseph Warren, Alexander McDougall, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams and his cousin, John Adams, all of these men were the head leaders of the Sons of Liberty.
The Sons of Liberty used the phrase “don’t tread on me” as a defense tactic, even when they did not use the words on their own flag to praise. In 1767, the Sons of Liberty flag often considered the rebellious stripped flag. This flag had nine uneven vertical stripes with five being red and four white stripes in between. The nine stripes, again, represented the number of colonies. The Sons of Liberty also was associated with taking part in the thirteen stripped flag as well. Since the Sons of Liberty was an underground pull of some very well-known Patriots, they had their hand in many matters when it came to freedoms plan including the flags of America.
Changing of the Guard
In 1776, General George Washington had been appointed to command the American Army by the Continental Congress. A Union Flag complimented the United Colonies as it shared the Continental colors. This flag totals 13 red and white stripes with the British design defaced as an ‘in your face’ Britain. Many do believe that the stripes of the Sons of Liberty flag may have inspired the stripes on the Continental Colors since the Sons of Liberty, again, had much to do with America’s inner influences.
‘Don’t Tread On Me’ is popular amongst Patriots, as it is recognized for strength. When ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ changed to ‘Stars and Stripes’, the ‘Stars and Stripes’ idea captured America’s heart enough to divert them away from the Gadsden flag. Even if some citizens forget of the existence of the Gadsden flag, or have a lack of knowledge about it, the U. S. Government keeps ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ alive. The U. S. Government has used the Gadsden flag during moments such as in the wake of the September 11, 2005 World Trade Center attacks, and the Gadsden flag can be seen within American Military.
The Eagle Has Landed
Benjamin Franklin was not much into the pick for America’s national bird, as the Bald Eagle was chosen. On July 20, 1782, the Continental Congress agreed upon this design for the Great Seal of the United States where the Bald Eagle grasps thirteen arrows and a thirteen-leaf olive branch with its talons. The Bald Eagle flies with power on thermal convection currents, unlike the Rattlesnake that can not match the speed of some birds.
From this past point to the life of today, these birds have been much more known than the Rattlesnake of the Gadsden flag. When a person is passing borders and must complete the entry upon American land as a citizen, they should be required to answer any question about the ‘Rattlesnake’ connections within American history since the Gadsden flag still waves high in the hopes of the deepest roots of American patriotism. So when you see the snake coiled with the words ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ below, place your hand upon your heart and believe in standing up for America’s freedom with the most respect for true American spirit and patriotism.
Celebrating the Spirit of 1776
Past Patriots are remembered each Fourth of July. There is nothing like watching others wear bifocals, a balding wig and a long coat to share the experience of 1776. This gives a new meaning to ‘pass the Benjamin’. The Independence Day celebrations of America have always reminded Americans as to how the United States became a free land. Americans never truly know when the time would occur again where America must hold Lady Liberty up by the bootstraps in order to keep freedom ongoing. Many are sure at that moment the heart of a true American Patriot would beat out loud yellow drum, rat-tat-tat.
If They Lived Today
If They Lived Today’ is a funny outlook on what famous people would be doing if they were alive in this day and age. What kind of home would they own? What kind of car would they drive? Would they vote for John McCain or Barack Obama? What would they say to the daily news? Featured Patriot is Benjamin Franklin.
