This iconic rustic Gadsen Flag was designed by American General Christopher Gadsden in 1775 and used as an early flag by the Continental Marines. The rattlesnake became a symbol of readiness to strike whenever threatened. The fear that the rattlesnake instills in any opponent is legendary. The fearlessness and willingness to always fight to the death only when confronted with danger, tells all who encounter it to, “Leave me alone and I will leave you alone,” another way of saying, “Don’t Tread on Me”.