Gadsden Purchase Heritage Flag

The Gadsden Purchase Heritage flag is based upon the Gadsden flag.  However, there are a few differences.  Instead of a rattlesnake, there is a black scorpion.  Also the patch of grass has become a rocky outcrop with Mexican prickly pear cactus.  There are four flowers on the cactus that represent the four states connected to the Gadsden Purchase: Arizona, New Mexico, Chihuahua, and Sonora. The two flowers are separated by the rock since they represent two different nations.  The lower flowers with the root stem towards the fly represent Mexico's Sonora and Chihuahua, while the upper flowers towards the hoist represent the US states of Arizona and New Mexico.

The expression Don't Tread on Me is replaced with a Spanish as ¡No Hay Huellas En Me!  which is akin to No Footprints on Me!  This flag commemorates the spirit of the Gadsden flag but with a Latino twist that pays homage to Mexican and American Heritages.  The Mexican heritage is duly noted with the prickly pair cactus that can be found on the official Mexican flag.  Likewise the Spanish text honors Spanish heritage in the region.  On the other hand, the scorpion is reflective of the American rattlesnake of the Gadsden flag, and of course, the colours and overall pattern is like the Gadsden flag.


This flag can be flown over any area of the Gadsden Purchase.  It is also an fun educational flag to help bring this minor fact of US history alive.  The Gadsden Purchase took place in 1853-1854, during the Franklin Pierce Administration.  Perhaps the most famous cities to become 'American' were Yuma and Tucson.  New Mexico was able to get her distinguished Chihuahua Boot Heel in the South West.  Finally Tombstone, Arizona is a part of the Gadsden Purchase legacy, subsequently we now have Tombstone frozen pizza.

Another fun coincidence is that both Mr. Gadsdens were from South Carolina, and the area of the Gadsden Purchase is nearly the same land area of South Carolina.  When you round them out they both equal 30,000 km².

Funny thing is, this purchase was made by a man named James Gadsden from South Carolina, born the year the US Government went on line, with the Constitution of 1788.  Jimbo Gadsden was born May 15, 1788.  Within a fortnight, South Carolina would ratify the Constitution on May 24, 1788.   As fate would have, Jimmy G. was indeed the grandson of Christopher Gadsden, whom the original Gadsden flag was named after, go figure?  Sometimes the Fates often leave little love notes like this, to remind us that higher powers are working.  If you try usin' your rational sphere of your mind, you'll never understand.  Likewise, usin' your emotional side of mind to solve a college level bio-calculus problem with your heart and feelings...just wont work.   As of yet you can not feel your way through calculus problems, just as you can not rationalize divine manifestations.  And the cherry on top, is that General Santa Anna negotiated the purchase, to the dismay of Mexican Government; he almost sold Baja California in the original deal.  Imagine that!?

And speaking of the Fates and Destiny...perhaps the most renowned love letter from Destiny was the simultaneous death of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on America's Year of Jubilee—July 4, 1826.

Scorpion Drawing
https://www.drawingtutorials101.com/how-to-draw-an-emperor-scorpion