Want to tell people to back off? The Don't Tread on Me slogan along with the snake that often occupancies it is the perfect way of doing so. There's now a small version of the Don't Tread on Me Yellow Snake Gadsden Flag patch that's perfect for almost any biker jacket. This symbol and saying have a long history behind them.
The rattlesnake with the Don't Tread on Me slogan was created by Christopher Gadsden, who was a general and statesman during the beginning of the United States. Gadsden created a flag for the Continental Marines to use during the American Revolution. This yellow flag featured a rattlesnake with the words 'Don't Tread on Me' below it.
The snake, which is either a timber rattlesnake or an eastern diamond rattlesnake, was selected because both of these breads live in the New England area. Benjamin Franklin had used a broken snake in a cartoon where he urged the colonies to join against the British. If they didn't, they would end up like a snake cut into pieces: dead. The snake became an important symbol for the colonies and was used by people like Paul Revere.
Gadsden created his flag when he was appointed to the Marine Committee. He was given the task of outfitting the navy's first mission. He gave his flag to Commodore Esek Hopkins to use on his flagship, plus he gave a copy to the Congress of South Carolina. Today, the flag is still often flown in the state and as a symbol of the American Tea Party.
