July 4, 1776 is an important date and the iconic American Flag, adopted on June 14, 1776 is well known, but different flags once represented the colonies, some of which are still seen today. One of the most recognizable, and recreated of these colonial icons is the Gadsden Flag. At the height of the Revolutionary war, sea faring soldiers carried the bold yellow flag with a rattlesnake into battle later becoming the first Marines.
Indigenous to America, able to protect itself, and self sufficient, the rattlesnake conveyed the sentiments of the people struggling for freedom. Some angry colonists, disgruntled with British rule, suggested sending boat loads of rattlesnakes back to England. Partick Henry’s first Virginia regiment in 1775 carried the slogans “LIBERTY OR DEATH” and “DON’T TREAD ON ME” alongside the coiled serpent. When intercolonial disagreements threatened unity, The Gazette printed the dismembered snake with each section representing a colony and the words “JOIN OR DIE.”
The Gadsden Flag, with its 13 rattles representing the thirteen colonies, officially charged into battle February 1776 capturing British cannons and accompanying artillery in the Bahamas. Using the pen name “American Guesser”, Benjamin Franklin also affirmed the rattlesnake as a symbol for the American Spirit. Vigilance, assertiveness, individualism, unity, and liberty define a nation, but a flag is more than a flag when it represents your foundation.
