05/14/2026
Since it’s our great and amazing country’s 250th Anniversary this year and in case you wondered the history behind the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag …. well here you go. I also made a challenge coin in its honor.
The Gadsden flag (“Don't Tread on Me" flag) was designed in 1775 during the American Revolution. It features a coiled, 13-rattlesnake on a yellow field, symbolizing the 13 American colonies, with the defiant warning: “Don't Tread on Me”.
Benjamin Franklin's Influence: The rattlesnake became an iconic American symbol well before the revolution. In 1754, Benjamin Franklin published a famous political cartoon showing a snake cut into eight pieces, each representing a colony, with the caption "Join, or Die". It urged colonists to unite during the French and Indian War.
Why the Rattlesnake? Colonists identified with the timber rattlesnake because it is native to America, has no eyelids (symbolizing eternal vigilance), and never strikes unless provoked—but is deadly once it does.The American Revolution: 1775 Design Creation by Christopher Gadsden: In late 1775, Christopher Gadsden, a South Carolina delegate to the Continental Congress, designed the flag as a warning to the British Crown.
Naval Debut: Gadsden presented the flag to Commodore Esek Hopkins, the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy. In December 1775, it was hoisted up the mainmast of the USS Alfred, the Navy’s first flagship.
