Gadsden Flags
Contents
Is there a connection between the Gadsden Flag and the Gadsden Purchase?
There is a slight connection between the Gadsden flag and the Gadsden Purchase as Christopher Gadsden created the Gadsden Flag and the Gadsden Purchase was named after Christopher’s grandson, James Gadsden. James was an American diplomat, soldier and businessman for whom is named the Gadsden Purchase, land which the United States bought from Mexico. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and was commonly known as General Gadsden, although he never had a rank above Colonel.
How do you pronounce the name “Gadsden”?
Then name “Gadsden” is pronounced just as it is spelled, both vowels are short vowel sounds: [gadz-duh n]
Why is there a coiled snake on the Gadsden Flag and what kind is it?
The snake that is pictured on the Gadsden Flag is a diamondback rattlesnake. Prior to and during the revolution, the diamondback rattlesnake was very prevalent throughout the colonies, and only found in North America. Over 200 years ago rattlesnakes were seen on many military uniform buttons, on paper money and of course banners and flags. When the snake symbol was first used, the snake was not coiled, and was cut into pieces to represent the colonies of that time, as they were not united. As support for independence grew, so did the use of the rattlesnake symbol.
The first use of the coiled rattlesnake was seen on drums used by the military regiments, with the words “Don’t Tread On Me”. Painting symbols on the drums was a common practice at that time. It is believed that Gadsden got the idea for his flag design from these drums.
The Gadsden Flag was created with a picture of a coiled rattlesnake with 13 rattles. The symbolism for the coiled snake is summed up best in what is believed to be a letter from Benjamin Franklin about the rattlesnake used on the flag: He said the rattlesnake was only found in no other place in the world besides America. It has sharp eyes and “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. She never wounds ‘til she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.”
About the rattle on the snake Franklin has this to say: “I confess I was wholly at a loss what to make of the rattles, ‘til I went back and counted them and found them just thirteen, exactly the number of the Colonies united in America; and I recollected too that this was the only part of the Snake which increased in numbers...’Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of the animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living.”
Why is the Gadsden Flag usually seen flying in Charleston, South Carolina?
You usually see the Gadsden flag flying in Charleston, S.C. for historical reasons. Charleston is the city where Christopher Gadsden (designer of the Gadsden flag) lived and first presented the flag, and where it was commonly used during the revolution.
Is the Gadsden Flag now owned by a certain organization or group?
The Gadsden Flag has been used by many groups and organizations for different reasons. However, the Flag is not owned or claimed by any group or organization. Its meaning and purpose is the same today as it was when it was created, and that is to serve as a symbol of American unity, independence and strength, and to provide a stern warning to not mess with America or our retaliation will be harsh and absolute!
Although many groups have used the Gadsden flag for various political reasons, and those groups may have tried to change the meaning of the flag, but its meaning and purpose has not changed. Its original meaning and purpose still stand strong conveying the message that we are a united America, and together we stand as one ready to strike if someone is foolish enough to tread on us!
What does “Don’t Tread on Me” mean on the Gadsden Flag?
The phrase “Don’t Tread On Me” has a very deep meaning to early America. This phrase represents the rattle of the snake depicted on the flag. The rattle, of course, is where the warning comes from, for you to back off. If you don’t back off, it will bite with deadly force. This is the spirit of America, a warning to tyrants, not to tread (step or walk on) on our people.
When was the Gadsden Flag first used?
The first time the Gadsden flag was used was by the Continental Marines. The Gadsden flag was given to the Commander in chief of the Navy, Esek Hopkins, for use on his flagship to represent America. The marine force was formed by the Continental Congress in 1775 and it was disbanded in 1783. Since the Revolutionary War, the Gadsden flag has been used as a symbol of patriotism by many.
What do the 13 rattles on the Gadsden Flag rattlesnake mean?
The 13 rattles on the rattlesnake on the Gadsden flag represent the original 13 colonies. Following are the 13 colonies in order of their statehood: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island.
Why do I see pictures of a flag with a snake cut into 8 pieces?
The symbol of the snake cut into 8 pieces comes from a political cartoon attributed to Benjamin Franklin. The purpose of it was believed to encourage the former colonies to unite against British rule. The cartoon appeared along with Franklin’s editorial about the “disunited state” of the colonies, and helped make his point about the importance of colonial unity. It became a symbol of colonial freedom during the American Revolutionary War. Each of the 8 segments of the snake contained a letter(s), or title above the segment. Behind the head of the snake, was the segment labeled “NE” for New England, then “NY” for New York, “NJ” New Jersey, “P” Pennsylvania, “M” Maryland, “V” Virginia, “NC” North Carolina and “SC” for South Carolina.
