Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Impy

For the record, what is the origin of the red striped rattlesnake flag vs: the yellow coiled rattlesnake Gadsen flag

I support your sentiment but some how prefer the symbolism of the coiled rattlesnake to the laid out rattlesnake.

(we’re FReepers....... all things must be nitpicked before acceptance)


99 posted on 06/27/2015 6:18:01 AM PDT by bert ((K.E.; N.P.; GOPc.;+12, 73, ..... No peace? then no peace!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 97 | View Replies ]


To: bert

The red flag is the first navy jack.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Navy_Jack

I always liked it better than the yellow Gadsden Flag because of how it resembles the stars and stripes.

“All four of the American designed “Rattlesnake Flags” show a COILED Rattlesnake. The only other rattlesnake flag, called “The First Navy Jack”, was “designed by” the English artist Thomas Hart as background art.

From: http://self.gutenberg.org/article/WHEBN0001081037/Gadsden%20flag

“All four of the American designed “Rattlesnake Flags” show a COILED Rattlesnake. The only other rattlesnake flag, called “The First Navy Jack”, was “designed by” the English artist Thomas Hart as background art.

The traditional version of the First Navy Jack has an uncoiled rattlesnake and the same motto as the Gadsden flag, on a field of 13 horizontal red and white stripes. Flag experts (vexillologists) speculate that either the English Artist Thomas Hart either did not know about the practice of Rattlesnakes to coil in defense, or did, and intended to insult the fledgling American Navy as a weak and vulnerable creature as a rattlesnake is when not coiled and ready to strike, slithering on the ground, trying to escape, with its motto “(Please) Don’t Tread on Me!”. However, others suggest the snake pictured on the flag was being provoked, and is striking. Hence the warning, “Don’t tread on me (or I will strike)”.”.

No reason why a new flag with a coiled snake on the stripes couldn’t be made.


100 posted on 06/27/2015 6:26:41 AM PDT by Impy (They pull a knife, you pull a gun. That's the CHICAGO WAY, and that's how you beat the rats!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 99 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson