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 in defense against the French and their Native 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
Free standard domestic shipping on orders of $75 or more
Just add items to your cart totaling $75 or more (before tax and after discounts), and the shipping fee will be removed. No discount code needed.
This applies to most items, including shirts, caps, sweatshirts, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, blankets, and other qualifying items.
For orders below $75
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
Almost all of the new products we offer are designed by us and made in America and most of our Rare Finds were 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

- 5 stars: 25 (100%)
- 4 stars: 0 (0%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
I have always loved this image, and having it on a shirt just makes it 10x cooler. The shirt is extremely comfortable, and I always get compliments or questions about the snake. Any time I can share my love of history is a win for me! I am always happy with my History List products.
Excellent shirt with an awesome design. Very comfortable.
“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.
Purchased this for a friend writing his doctoral dissertation on the French and Indian War (which this illustration was originally regarding) - size was accurate and the material is indeed nice and thick Jersey... it should wear well and long.
I am buying these shirts to message all who see the relevant truth that we in America are in the same situation as in the 1700's. These shirts are very well made, fit well and take a beating.
I purchased this shirt for my son, and he loves it. All the shirts I've purchased are wonderfully soft! Thanks again, History List and Lee!
I have no bought 4 t-shirts from History List and I have to say that fit great, are made out of great fabric, and get me compliments everywhere I go. Awesome company.
It was a gift for my son and he loves it!
Love the quality of the shirt. So soft!
Have purchased a few items from this site now. Had to do a return to correct the size on one item and it was processed quickly. Great service.
Great shirt, super comfortable and fits exactly like I wanted. This is my 4th shirt from you guys and they are the best fitting tshirts I've ever owned.
Not only is the caliber of the apparel incredible, the content is clearly relevant, seemingly now more than ever. To paraphrase Hawkings, humanity is the result of imperfection, and our history is a reflection of that. All of your products are instant conversation starters, and a walking lesson in that beautiful struggle. This nation is the greatest experiment known to man and born from that is the greatest nation ever to exist. Thank you for honoring that.
"Join or Die" Shirt - with 100% cotton Made in the USA as an option
Quality shirt, it came quickly. Very comfortable and made of quality material.
I really like this shirt, the poly cotton blend is perfect for the summer and the design is subtly cool!
The shirt fits perfectly, and the material is very soft and comfortable. Perfect for a larger history buff like me!
Another great Tee shirt from the History List. That makes my 10th! Very soft and comfortable. Great design. Love the V-neck style for the ladies. Also love to support the study of history!
Ever since they displayed this design and fielded pre-orders, I have been super excited about getting my hands on one of these shirts. Unlike the other T-shirts that also feature Franklin‘s famous sketch, I really like how this one wraps around the torso. As with all of their clothing, very comfortable, great material, and worth the price.
When will you get more large and medium t-shirts in?? I really want to buy some! Thanks.
Hi,
This are currently being reprinted and we should have them back in stock really soon. Please sign up on the "Back in stock" form to be notified in email when they are available for purchase. Thank you for your interest.
Danella
Are you getting anymore size large, blue? I keep checking but I'm about to give up & buy elsewhere
I'm sorry, but we aren't. We are discontinuing that color because it wasn't very popular. All we have left are in Small. This is stated in the description, but after your question, we're going to add text to the photo of the slate blue shirt so that others see it who might not read the description. Thanks for asking your question, and I'm sorry that we won't have it in a Large. The other colors look really good, and the way in which we print the design is very different than anyone else out there. Plus, the shirts are very high-quality. If you order it and aren't happy with it for any reason, just let us know and we'll make it right. — Lee Wright | Founder
I am interested in the slate blue shirt but they are unavailable, Are they going to be available again?
Thanks, Lisa, for your question. We aren't going to carry this design in slate blue any longer and just have some in Small left. Thanks for your interest. — Lee