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The uniquely American
rattlesnake became a popular symbol in the American colonies and
later for the young republic. In the first American cartoon, published
in 1754 by Benjamin Franklin, the original 13 colonies were depicted
as a snake divided into nine pieces, the head representing all of
New England, over motto: "Join or Die." The image was
a popular one used in many newspapers and journals.
When fighting broke out, the rattlesnake, with and without the defiant
slogan, appeared on money, uniforms and a variety of military and
naval flags, reflecting the change among the American people from
an era of disunity to one of resolve. As part of a committee of
the Continental Congress, Christopher Gadsden was directing the
preparation of ships for the American defense.
To provide a striking standard for the flagship of the first Commodore
of the American Navy, Gadsden chose the rattlesnake for his design.
Later he presented the design to South Carolina's Provincial Congress,
who ordered the elegant standard hung in their meeting hall.
Premier size: $1100 (45" x 31")
Collector size: $485 (25" x 18")
See the Flag
Size and Pricing Guide...
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