annin gadsden flag - 2' x 3' nylon gadsden don't tread on me made in the usa! annin flagmakers nyl-glo gadsden flag our gadsden flags are made from the highest quality dupont solar-max nylon material. an aniline dye process saturates right through the flag producing durable and vivid colors on both sides that never crack or peel. solar max fabric also has a special uv resistance built right into the weave of the fabric to minimize sun fade and chemical deterioration. it looks better and lasts far longer then ordinary nylon flags. the gadsden flag is a historical american flag with a yellow field depicting a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. positioned below the snake are the words "dont tread on me". the flag was designed by and is named after american general and statesman christopher gadsden. it was used by the continental marines as an early motto flag. in the fall of 1775, the united states navy was established to intercept incoming british ships carrying war supplies to the british troops in the colonies. to aid in this, the 2nd continental congress authorized the mustering of five companies of marines to accompany the navy on their first mission. the first marines enlisted in the city of philadelphia, and they carried drums painted yellow, depicting a coiled rattlesnake with thirteen rattles, and the motto "dont tread on me." this is the first recorded mention of the future gadsden flag's symbolism.