1775-1776 South Carolina. The Gadsden Flag is the yellow rattlesnake flag of the American Revolution. By the time of the War of Independence, the rattlesnake, frequently used in conjunction with the motto "Don't Tread on Me, " was a common symbol for the United States, its independent spirit, and its resistance to tyranny. The flag is named after an American colonel, Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina, who designed it. Journal of the South Carolina Provincial Congress, 9 February 1776: "Col. Gadsden presented to the Congress an elegant standard, such as is to be used by the commander in chief of the American navy; being a yellow field, with a lively representation of a rattle-snake in the middle, in the attitude of going to strike, and these words underneath, "DON'T TREAD ON ME!" John Jay to Alexander McDougall, 23 March 1776: "As to continental Colors, the Congress have made no order as yet respecting them, and I believe the Captains of their armed Vessels have in that particular been directed by their own fancies and Inclinations. I remember to have seen a flag designed for one of them on which was extremely well painted a Rattle Snake rearing his Crest and shaking his Rattles, with this Motto "Don't tread on me". But whether this Device was generally adopted by the fleet, I am not able to say. I rather think it was not." (ref; history.navy.mil Naval History and Heritage Command, The U.S. Navy's First Jack)