Flag Tips and Guides

“Don’t Tread On Me” is a historic American motto associated with the rattlesnake and the struggle for independence during the American Revolution. The phrase expresses a warning: do not threaten, oppress, or interfere with my freedom. The Meaning Behind The Phrase The words “Don’t Tread On Me” communicate a strong message of independence and resistance. In simple terms, it means, “Do not step on me, or you will face consequences.” The rattlesnake became an important symbol during the Revolutionary era because it was seen as an animal that would not attack without warning, but would defend itself when threatened. The...

The Grand Union flag is one of the most important early flags in American history. Often considered the first national flag of the United States, it was used by the Continental Army before the familiar Stars and Stripes was adopted in 1777. What Did The Grand Union Flag Look Like? The Grand Union flag featured thirteen alternating red and white stripes. In the upper-left corner was the British Union flag, representing the colonies' continued connection to Great Britain. The thirteen stripes represented the thirteen American colonies that were united in their growing resistance to British rule. The Flag During The...

The Culpeper flag is a historic American Revolutionary War flag associated with the Culpeper Minutemen of Culpeper County, Virginia. It is one of the most distinctive flags from the American Revolution and is popular with collectors of historic American flags. What Does The Culpeper Flag Look Like? The Culpeper flag typically features a white field with a coiled rattlesnake in the center. Above the snake are the words “LIBERTY OR DEATH,” while below it appears the motto “DON'T TREAD ON ME.” The flag also includes the phrase “CULPEPER MINUTEMEN,” identifying the Virginia militia unit associated with the design. The Culpeper...

The Bennington flag is one of the most recognizable historic American flags. With its distinctive large “76,” thirteen stars, and thirteen stripes, the flag is closely associated with the American Revolution and America's fight for independence. The Meaning Of The Bennington Flag The Bennington flag features thirteen white stars arranged in an arch above the number “76,” along with thirteen alternating red and white stripes. The number 76 represents 1776, the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The thirteen stars and thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen American colonies. The design makes the flag an especially meaningful choice for...

Historic American flags tell the story of the United States. Each flag represents a different period in American history, from the Revolutionary War to the growth of the nation. For collectors, these flags offer a fascinating way to learn about America's past while building a meaningful collection. 1. The Betsy Ross Flag The Betsy Ross flag is one of the most recognizable historic American flags. Its thirteen stars arranged in a circle represent the original thirteen colonies. The thirteen alternating red and white stripes also represent those first colonies. Although the traditional story connecting Betsy Ross to the flag is...