Nothing says 'revolution' like the Gadsden flag. The image of a coiled rattlesnake and the text "Don't Tread on Me' dates back to 1775, just before the beginning of the American Revolution. As many as 24 years earlier, Ben Franklin drew a sketch of a rattlesnake divided into pieces in what's believed to be the first editorial cartoon in an American newspaper. The rattlesnake image resonated with colonists. Rattlesnakes (apparently) are only native to America. They will warn with their rattle if someone infringes on their territory, and only strike if provoked. The phrase 'Don't Tread on Me' came to represent the colonists' unity against tyranny and England, and their fight for individual liberty and freedom.
The Gadsden flag is named for Col. Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina. He was one of three members of a committee which created the Marines (with a grand total of four ships). Col. Gadsden, it's widely thought, presented the Navy's commander-in-chief with this flag, believing it was important for him to have something distinctive and personal flying on his ship.
I recalled seeing this scene in Sarasota recently…retraced my steps…and voila -- a theme day photo! In my mind, I recalled just the Gadsden flag. But, I was quite happy to see the American flag there too. To me, these two flags side by side truly symbolize 'revolution'.
If you'd like to see other interpretations of this month's theme day, revolution, click here. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's submissions. This was a challenging theme day!
14 comments:
How clever! You managed to include several kinds of REVOLUTIONS!
Enjoyed reading this history of the flag and the cartoon. Great for theme day!
A good take on the theme. We do have some rattlers north of the border, but not nearly the numbers as in the US.
What a great choice and I also learned some history by reading it!
Jan, I learned plenty. I would not have been able to explain the "don't tread on me" flag if I had been asked.
The TV station down here reported yesterday that Ozzie is recovering nicely. Thought of you.
Thanks for the history. It's new to me. Great theme day shot!
Though California has rattlesnakes I never encountered one until I was walking in the Arizona desert (taking pictures, naturally) and not paying attention. I don't think I've ever jumped so far so fast. It's not a critter anyone would want to mess around with! I don't think my heart beat normally for an hour or two.
A great theme day post.
Well how fabulously lucky was that SRQ, excellent content for the theme.. Viva la revolution!
Also have a look at Greensboro Daily Photo when you have a chance- she covered the Revolution as well.
I did not know this at all, very interesting and perfect post!
Ya, but that yellow flag is all about 'teabaggers' now. F*#k 'em.
I like your theme day photo. It's unique in the group.
There is so much about American history I don't know. What you have shared here is really interesting and great for theme day. Thanks!
Always decorative, but informative too! Thanks for this, despite it being about our erstwhile Rebel Colony;)
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