The First Navy Jack is one of the most recognizable historic American naval flags. Its famous design features thirteen red and white stripes with a coiled rattlesnake across the stripes and the words “DON’T TREAD ON ME.”
The Revolutionary War Connection
The rattlesnake became an important American symbol during the Revolutionary War. It appeared in political cartoons, newspapers, military imagery, and other patriotic materials as a symbol of American resistance and determination.
The thirteen stripes on the First Navy Jack represent the original thirteen colonies. The rattlesnake represents a warning to anyone who threatened American liberty.
What Does “Don’t Tread On Me” Mean?
The phrase “DON’T TREAD ON ME” is a warning against oppression or interference. The message is essentially that Americans would defend themselves and their liberties when threatened.
The rattlesnake was considered an appropriate symbol because it would generally warn before striking. Its warning rattle represented the idea that Americans were prepared to defend themselves if necessary.
The First Navy Jack And The U.S. Navy
The history of the First Navy Jack is sometimes confused with the broader history of rattlesnake flags used during the American Revolution. There is historical evidence that variations of rattlesnake designs were used by American forces, including naval forces, but the exact historical use of the modern First Navy Jack design is debated.
The modern First Navy Jack became particularly associated with the United States Navy and has been used at various times throughout American naval history.
The Thirteen Stripes
The thirteen alternating red and white stripes are an important part of the flag's symbolism. They represent the thirteen original American colonies that declared independence from Great Britain.
The combination of the stripes, rattlesnake, and revolutionary motto gives the First Navy Jack its distinctive appearance.
A Popular Historic Flag
Today, the First Navy Jack is popular with collectors of military flags, naval memorabilia, Revolutionary War flags, and historic American flags. Its bold design makes it an especially recognizable addition to a collection.
Collectors may display the First Navy Jack alongside other historic American flags, including the Betsy Ross flag, Grand Union flag, Bennington flag, Culpeper flag, and Gadsden flag.