The Gadsden flag was named after a person.
Christopher Gadsden ( February 16 , 1724 -- August 28 , 1805 ) was the principal leader of the South Carolina Patriot movement during the American Revolution and a soldier and politician from South Carolina . Gadsden flag . The flag is named after American general and politician Christopher Gadsden ( 1724 -- 1805 ) , who designed it in 1775 during the American Revolution .