Whiskey Rebellion Flag

The Whiskey Rebellion was the first use of government militia to quell a domestic uprising within the United States. Militia put down a protest against government whiskey excise taxes and asserted its constitutional right to assess and collect taxes. President Washington utilized armed militia, along with negotiators, to apply and enforce the tax against distillers in the the Western Pennsylvanian frontier. The ensuing protests and rebellion ended up costing two civilian casualties.

The protests were not completely in vain, as the deeply unpopular tax was repealed less than a decade later during the term of Thomas Jefferson. Many look at the Whiskey Rebellion as the precursor to Republicanism, as it spurred those who were displeased with the perceived overreach of government to join and form political parties.

The flag itself was utilized only briefly during the protests and its exact origins are unclear, but it is an important symbol of our history, specifically in regards to issues of taxation and the rights of government to enforce rule against its citizenry. The Eagle is a classic symbol of America, with its 13 six pointed stars representing the then 13 states. Today the flag serves as a reminder and sign of protest against government overreach and taxation.