"Don't tread on me."
Many are familiar with the patriotic warning to those who would seek to assault America's rights and freedoms, as well as the flag upon which it is emblazoned. Few know the story of the figure behind the flag, however.
Although not a very famous Founding Father, Christopher Gadsden truly personified the title. A leader of the Sons of Liberty in South Carolina, Gadsden would go on to lead the Continental Army as a Colonel during the American Revolution. He had fought British tyranny for some time in the House of Commons, and when war finally broke out, he dedicated his energy and resources to the cause of freedom.
When the commander-in-chief of the Navy was selected, Gadsden presented him with the famous rattlesnake flag, as the man had no standard of his own. This event was recorded in the 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!"
Gadsden also served his country off the battlefield in the Continental Congress, representing his state of South Carolina, as well as lieutenant-governor of the Palmetto State, and was one of the most successful merchants in the colonies.
Upon his death in 1805, Christopher Gadsden had established a reputation as a fiery and inflexible patriot. How appropriate that his name is synonymous with a coiled rattlesnake.
The Gadsden flag epitomizes the innate desire for freedom and self-determination. It's a stark warning against those in power who would attempt to wield their authority against the rights of those who loaned them that authority. Today, more than ever, the Gadsden flag endures. Remind the enemies of freedom the meaning of this flag, and sign the petition to call a Convention of States, then pass it along to your family and friends!
