Christopher Gadsden Designs The 'Don't Tread On Me' Flag
Christopher Gadsden served in both the Continental Congress and the Continental Army.
Gadsden may not be well known today, but the flag he designed is recognized by Americans across the United States.
Christopher Gadsden
Christopher Gadsden took to the Patriot Cause early.
Already a successful South Carolina merchant, he represented his home colony at the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. He signed the Declaration of Rights and actively promoted rebellion for the next decade, earning the nickname ‘Sam Adams of the South.’
Gadsden was a creator of the South Carolina Sons of Liberty.
The Gadsden Flag
In 1774, Gadsden represented his colony to the First Continental Congress where he signed the Continental Association.
Christopher returned to the Second Continental Congress the following year. When the Congress created a Continental Navy, Gadsden designed its first official flag which flew over Commodore Esek Hopkins’ ship.
The Gadsden Flag, better known now as the ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ Flag, has become famous. It’s depiction of a coiled rattlesnake with the words ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ lie on a yellow background.
It can be seen flying on countless front yards across America to this day.
Prisoner of War
Gadsden left Congress before the vote on independence to join the war effort.
Christopher had already been a Lieutenant Colonel but was promoted to Brigadier General for the South Carolina militia. He served bravely, however, he was taken as a prisoner of war after the Siege of Charleston.
Although briefly paroled, Gadsden ended up being taken to a prison in Florida. He was kept in solitary confinement for almost an entire year.
Back in South Carolina
Taken back to South Carolina after the Americans won Yorktown, Gadsden quickly began working again for the State government.
Christopher was elected as Governor of South Carolina; however, his health was still poor from his prison sentence and he turned the position down.
Mr. Gadsden’s last bit of service to his country was as a delegate to the State Ratifying Convention where he supported adoption of the United States Constitution.
Conclusion
Christopher Gadsden was an early and enthusiastic supporter of American Independence. Despite serving bravely in the war, he spent a year of his life under harsh conditions as a prisoner of the British. He lasting legacy is his flag, which still continues to fly across the United States.
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