The Gadsden flag is a historical American flag that has a timber rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike, a red apostrophe, and the words “Don’t Tread on Me” below it. The current version of the Gadsden flag includes the apostrophe. The flag is the original representation of the American Indians’ anthem. However, the modern design includes an apostrophe, making it an acceptable choice in most locations.
The Gadsden flag’s origins date back to the early 1970s, when the rising American libertarian movement used it to symbolize individual freedom, personal freedom, and limited government. This flag once represented the Libertarian Party, but later the party changed their flag design to a different one. Yellow was removed as the symbolic color, replacing it with blue. The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and a Major League Soccer franchise also use the Gadsden flag.
The Gadsden flag has many symbolic associations, from the Timber Rattlesnake to the coiled snake. The American flag was originally designed as a uniting symbol, but it has come to symbolize warning against government oppression. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published a study in 2004 on the symbolism of the gadsden flag. The article “Don’t Tread on Me” by Leah Sottile, and the New Yorker article “Inside the Boogaloo” by Robert Walker, both focus on the history and symbolism of the gadsden.
A history of the Gadsden flag includes several different variations. The motto is sometimes omitted and sometimes included. The rattlesnake is often shown on a green background. The Rattlesnake sometimes faces left in early versions of the Gadsden flag. Some versions show the rattlesnake facing right. As an example of the diversity of interpretations of a single symbol, the ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ flag has become a popular choice among people of all political stripes.
The Gadsden flag was designed before the American Revolution. It has been used in conjunction with the Trump 2020 flag, the Confederate battle flag, and the white supremacist flag. The gadsden flag has a warning theme that was intended to unite the states against a government oppressor. The Gadsden flag is often displayed with a message of support for the American flag. And it can even be used as a t-shirt.
While the Gadsden flag is a simple design, its history is rich in significance. The flag was originally used in the Confederate war and was later adopted by militia groups and tea party movements. Today, it is used by the U.S. men’s national soccer team as well as by several Major League Soccer franchises. The Gadsden flag is a symbol of the United States’ racial and political divisions, but its significance extends far beyond the Confederate border.