The History List
"Join or Die" Shirt — Made in America
"Join or Die" Shirt — Made in America
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Taken from the original illustration in Franklin’s The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 9, 1754. Originally, a warning to the colonies, urging them to unite against the French and Native American allies, and later used as an appeal to the states during the Revolutionary War. The rattlesnake segments are labeled, S.C., N.C., V., M., P., N.J., N.Y., and N.E. See additional information below.
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100% cotton Made in the USA shirt in Grey — Knitted, dyed, and sewn in the USA. 5.4 oz. S - 4XL. See size chart.
Note: We suggest ordering one size larger than you normally wear. (This shirt runs small.)
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Our standard 4.3 oz. Poly-Cotton shirt that gets rave reviews. Our softest shirt. It's also our thinnest and lightest. It is very high-quality and long-wearing, but it is thin and light. Lots of people love them, which you can see in the reviews, but if you judge t-shirt quality based on weight or thickness, do not get this one. Instead, get one of the two 100% cotton shirts above. In Charcoal grey. S - 4XL. See size chart.
- 100% American grown cotton in Slate blue — Will not be reprinted in this color. 5.5 oz. S only. Will not be reprinted in this color. See size chart.
Also available in a long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, women's v-neck shirt, tank top for women, woven socks that are made in the USA, sticker, magnet, and an 8" x 10" framed print.
Historical background
This political cartoon (attributed to James Turner (silversmith) for Benjamin Franklin) originally appeared during the French and Indian War, but was recycled to encourage the American colonies to join the Albany Plan for Union. From The Pennsylvania gazette, May 9, 1754. Abbreviations used: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and New England.
The practice of grouping the colonies east of New York (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) together as "New England" has a history that goes back to the Dominion of New England, established in 1686 . . . Delaware was not listed separately because it was comprised of three counties that were part of Pennsylvania, and did not gain independence from Philadelphia until after the Declaration of Independence was asserted. Prior to formal separation from Pennsylvania, Delaware was properly referred to as the "Lower Counties on Delaware".
The Province of Georgia was not originally included by Franklin (let alone other British colonies in North America) but was later added and can be see at the tip of the tail. Georgia, the youngest of what would come to be referred to as the "Thirteen Original Colonies", had only been chartered in 1732 as a haven for those incarcerated in England's debtors prisons, and its population was sparse.
Source: Wikipedia
In addition, author John Bell has an interesting piece that also covers this: Join or Die: Why Did it Have to be Snakes.
Shipping
Shipping
Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.
For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95.
Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.
Learn more about shipping here.
All original designs are copyrighted by The History List
All original designs are copyrighted by The History List
All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.
Made by America
Made by America
Nearly everything we offer is designed by us and made in America.
Our original designs are based on our nation’s history and our love of American history. Read more about other things we've created, including The History List, History Camp, and The Pursuit of History, in addition to The History List Store.
All original designs are copyrighted by The History List.
Every product that is made in America states that in the product description and includes the "Made in U.S.A." graphic. There are a relatively small number of items where we’ve not been able to find a manufacturing partner here in the States, but we continue to look.
Our nation’s history—Our original designs






“Join or Die” is one of my favorite Colonial Political Cartoons. I like the unique style of the shirt, how the artwork wraps around from front to back. The shirt itself is high quality as well.
These shirts are soft, comfortable and look sharp
This shirt exceeded expectations. It is very comfortable and true to size.
My “Join or Die” is durable, comfortable & the graphics are fantastic. It’s a truly comfortable shirt that allows me to show my love of history.
Bought this for my son for Christmas. Great quality made in America tee! Hope he loves it like I do :)
High quality, comfortable, and looks great!
I own several History List shirts and this is by far my favorite. I better buy another one before these sell out!
Fit as described, good material, nice print, feels very comfortable.