Unfurling History: The Significance of the First Navy Jack Flag

A jack is a small flag that typically resembles a portion of a country's national flag. In the U.S. Navy, it's a blue flag with a star for each state. On ships, it's raised at the front when the ship is anchored or in port. 

The U.S. Navy began as the Continental Navy during the American Revolution in 1775. It’s commonly believed that Continental Navy ships flew a flag featuring red and white stripes, a rattlesnake, and the words “Don't Tread on Me."  

While the rattlesnake and “Don't Tread on Me” became powerful symbols of America's fight against tyranny during the War of Independence, there’s no historical consensus on whether the Continental Navy used a flag with these elements. They may have simply flown a plain red and white striped flag. 

In this article, we’ll be investigating the first Navy jack flag. After delving into the history of the first Navy jack flag, we’ll discuss why this flag is still significant today, so stick around! 

You can also purchase high-quality replicas of the first Navy Jack flag from Carrot-Top. Available now, these high-quality flags feature premium nylon construction, vibrant printing, and durable brass grommets for easy hanging.  

The History of the First Navy Jack Flag  

In late 1775, as the first ships of the Continental Navy prepared in the Delaware River, Commodore Esek Hopkins instructed his ships to display a striped flag called a “jack” and a larger flag called an ensign.  

The exact appearance of these flags is not known. However, since around 1880, it has been commonly shown as having thirteen red and white stripes with an uncoiled rattlesnake and the words “Don't Tread on Me” written underneath it.  

This design was popularized by a book called History of the Flag of the United States. However, more recent research has cast doubt on whether or not this design existed or was a mistake made in the 19th century based on an incorrect engraving from 1776.  

In 1778, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sicily, thanking him for allowing revolutionary ships into Sicilian ports. They described the new flag of the colonies according to the 1777 Flag Resolution, which included thirteen stripes. They also mentioned a flag from South Carolina that had a rattlesnake in the middle of the stripes.  

The rattlesnake had long been a symbol of resistance and defiance against the British Crown in the colonies. The phrase “Don't Tread on Me” may have originated during the American Revolutionary War, possibly based on an earlier idea. A political cartoon by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 showed a snake cut into pieces with the names of the colonies, urging them to unite with the words "Join or Die."  

The Timber Rattlesnake, with its thirteen rattles, became a significant symbol of the American Revolution. The snake's characteristic of not attacking unless provoked was captured in the phrase “Don't tread on me,” as seen in the Gadsden flag. The snake is often depicted with red scales on its back, although some representations show it entirely in gold.  

The Flags of the Continental Navy

Since around 1880, the Navy jack flag has been shown as having thirteen red and white stripes with an uncoiled rattlesnake and the words "Don't Tread on Me” on top of the stripes. As we mentioned before, recent research has revealed that this design likely did not exist and was rather a mistake made in the 19th century based on a wrong engraving.  

Despite this, there are several notable flag designs associated with the Continental Navy. During the Revolutionary War, it was not standard for ships to fly the same flag. Instead, different groups and individuals used a variety of flags, with some of the most notable designs being the Gadsden Flag and the Green Pine Tree Flag, also known as the Appeal to Heaven Flag. These flags reflected the independent spirit of the time, adding to the rich tapestry of early American naval history. 

Green Pine Tree Flag (Washington's Cruisers) 

In January 1776, Sir Hugh Palliser mentioned the flag of the captured brig Washington from George Washington's fleet, describing it as a white flag with a green pine tree and the motto “Appeal to Heaven.” Today, this flag is most commonly known as the "Appeal to Heaven" flag. You can purchase high-quality replicas of the Appeal to Heaven Flag from Carrot-Top.  

Pine Tree and Rattlesnake Flag  

In a journal entry from midshipman John Greenwood on the American privateer Cumberland, captured in January 1778, he described their flag as a large white flag with a green pine tree and a black snake with thirteen coils, symbolizing the thirteen United States, with the motto "Join or Die."  

A new flag with a pine tree and a rattlesnake with the words "Don't tread on me" appeared in the seas, indicating affiliation with the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.  

State and Merchant Flags  

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams mentioned in a letter in October 1778 that some states had their warships with distinct flags, like Massachusetts Bay's pine tree and South Carolina's rattlesnake in the middle of thirteen stripes.  

The Gadsden Flag  

In February 1776, Colonel Christopher Gadsden presented a flag to Commodore Esek Hopkins, the commander of the newly-formed Continental Navy. The flag featured a yellow field with a coiled rattlesnake ready to strike, accompanied by the bold words “Don’t Tread on Me!” This flag, known today as the Gadsden Flag, became one of the first symbols of the Continental Navy. It was flown on Hopkins' flagship as a rallying cry for American independence. 

Shop online at Carrot-Top to purchase your own replica of the Gadsden Flag – 100% made in the U.S.A.!  

The Jack of the United States 

The current Navy jack of the United States, with its blue field and white stars representing the original thirteen colonies, was first adopted in June 1777 and updated as the nation expanded, with the 50-star version being used in 1960.  

During the War on Terror, the U.S. Navy temporarily used the historic First Navy Jack, which features 13 red and white stripes with a rattlesnake and the "Don't Tread on Me" motto. In 2019, the Navy reverted back to the Union Jack for its standard design. 

The Significance of the First Navy Jack Flag Today  

Recently, the first Navy jack flag has been used as a patch on the uniforms of members of the U.S. Army and Navy. Typically, this patch is worn on the right arm, below the American Flag. Additionally, certain groups in the U.S. also embrace the Jack as a symbol.  

It is often flown by people who oppose what they view as overbearing rules imposed by local, state, or national governments. This group might include those who are against smoking bans in their area, for example. The flag has also gained popularity as a symbol of defiance following terrorist attacks.  

As you now know, the first Navy jack flag originates from the Revolutionary War era. It features thirteen red and white stripes along with a rattlesnake and the phrase “Don't Tread On Me” in the middle. These thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that eventually formed the United States of America. 

Show Your Pride with Your Own First Navy Jack Flag  

The history of the first Navy jack flag is fascinating, and the symbolism behind the rattlesnake imagery that’s used on the flag is a testament to the fact that the United States never backs down. If you’ve been looking for a first Navy jack flag or Gadsden flag to hang in your house or fly from your front porch, then you’re in the right place.  

At Carrot-Top Industries, we’re all about patriotism and staying true to yourself. If you’d like to show your patriotism and pride, we have plenty of flags available, from the first Navy jack flag to the Gadsden flag, to 50-star American flags and more! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Our team of flag experts will be happy to help!