"Dont Tread on Me", an American Motto

Enough with the old (and wimpy) saying: As American as apple pie. A more accurate and bold saying should be: As American as a rattlesnake on a flag sporting the motto “Don’t Tread on Me!” As a Marine, I take a special interest in the historical Gadsden flag because its roots can be traced back to the first Marine companies established in the fall of 1775.

For starters, apple pie is found throughout many parts of the world – the rattlesnake, or more accurately, the American Timber Rattlesnake -- only found in one part of the world: America! Although Old Glory evokes a medley of patriotic emotions from most Americans, the message of The Stars and Stripes is interpreted much differently by some inside America and abroad. The message conveyed by the Gadsden flag however, is unmistakable!

The Gadsden flag -- yellow banner, centered rattlesnake in striking pose traditionally with 13 rattles, with the foreboding statement “Don’t Tread on Me” is older than the Republic itself. This symbol of the American fighting spirit was proudly carried before The Sons of Liberty long before The Declaration of Independence was even composed. Before the Federalist Essays were published, and The Constitution ratified, this flag, and variations of it, served as a prominent emblem of freedom and independence throughout America’s revolutionary beginning and founding. This statement of bold independence and defiance of tyranny resonates throughout our young nation’s history as a reminder to those that that would oppose the most basic American value: Liberty! And the Reminder? Don’t mess with my Liberties – Don’t Tread on Me!



The flag carried by the Culpeper Minute Men of Culpeper County Virginia during the Revolution helped to immortalize Patrick Henry’s famous words by putting “Liberty or Death” above “Don’t Tread on Me.”

Some history:

By the fall of 1775 the Continental Army was desperately short on ammo and arms. They had been fighting courageously against a vastly superior force – organized British infantry – since June, but by October, they were weakening and in great need of resupply. Fortunately, the rebels received some decisive intelligence; the British had dispatched two cargo ships bound for America loaded with gunpowder and arms for the British occupying forces. The rebels knew they needed the ammo and arms more than the British – so they decided on the most pragmatic and American solution: seize the ships!
With that crucial decision, the Continental Navy, comprised of four ships was founded along with five companies of Marines. The newly enlisted Marines apparently did not take their role lightly. They carried yellow colored drums depicting a rattle snake with 13 rattles, and the motto “Don’t Tread on Me”.
The four ships, the USS Alfred, Andrew Doria, Cabot, and Columbus, along with the sailors and Marines with them went on to accomplish some of the most distinguished and important triumphs of the American Revolution.

Esek Hopkins, a salty 57 year old commander with a distinguished naval service record in the French and Indian war was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy by Colonel Christopher Gadsden and the Continental Congress. Hopkins’ ship was the USS Alfred – his personal standard: The Gadsden flag, presented to him by Gadsden himself.
Hopkins and Gadsden must have felt that a deadly snake coupled with the motto of “Don’t Tread on Me” would convey the proper attitude to the opposing British while instilling a stout sense of courage for the sailors and Marines sailing off to wage a war that would ultimately decide the independence or servitude of their nation.



So, when I say, enough with the old (and wimpy) saying: As American as apple pie. A more accurate and bold saying should be: As American as a rattlesnake on a flag sporting the motto “Don’t Tread on Me!” I full-heartedly mean it!