The Pine Tree Flag: A Symbol of Inalienable Rights and Liberty
"The pine tree flag, emblazoned with the phrase 'An Appeal to Heaven,' has stirred significant controversy among left-leaning media outlets. Here's how it's woven into the 'American Fabric.'"
Introduction
The Pine Tree Flag, also known as the "Appeal to Heaven Flag," holds a unique place in American history, especially during the Revolutionary War. This simple yet powerful symbol encapsulates the colonists' belief in inalienable rights and their appeal to a higher moral authority for justice. But how does this historical flag connect to the profound ideas of philosopher John Locke and the foundational principles of America enshrined in our Declaration of Independence of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness?
The Origins of the Pine Tree Flag
Colonial Era and the White Pine
During the colonial era, the white pine tree was highly valued for its strong wood, ideal for ship masts. The British Crown marked these trees with a broad arrow, reserving them for the Royal Navy. This act symbolized British control over the colonies' natural resources, breeding resentment among the colonists who saw it as an infringement on their rights and autonomy.
To secure these valuable resources, the British government enacted laws and practices to control the harvesting of these trees. The British Crown established the "Broad Arrow" policy1, named after the distinctive mark, used to designate trees reserved for the Royal Navy. Surveyors appointed by the Crown would scour the forests, selecting the best white pines. These selected trees were marked with a broad arrow symbol (↟). This mark indicated that the tree was property of the Crown and could not be cut down or used by the colonists.
Laws such as the Massachusetts Charter of 1691 and the White Pine Acts of 1711 and 1722 were enacted to formalize the reservation of these trees2. These laws prohibited the cutting of white pines that were over a specified diameter (initially 24 inches, later reduced to 12 inches) without a license from the Crown.
Punishments for Harvesting Marked Trees
Despite the regulations, many colonists continued to cut down the marked trees. The British authorities imposed severe penalties to enforce these laws and discourage illegal logging. Colonists caught harvesting the marked trees faced substantial fines and imprisonment. Furthermore, any timber that was cut illegally from marked trees could be confiscated by British authorities, often including not only the logs themselves but also any finished products made from the wood. The economic impact of these punishments was significant, as fines and confiscations could cripple a colonial business dependent on timber, making these laws a major point of contention. The resentment generated by these policies fueled the desire for independence and the assertion of natural rights, themes powerfully represented by the Pine Tree Flag.
The "Appeal to Heaven" Slogan
The Legacy of John Locke
The phrase "An Appeal to Heaven" was added to the flag, drawing from John Locke's political philosophy. In his "Second Treatise of Government”3 (1689), Locke argued that when a government fails to protect the natural rights of its citizens—life, liberty, and property—people have the right to overthrow it. He wrote, "And where the body of the people, or any single man, is deprived of their right, or is under the exercise of a power without right, and have no appeal on earth, then they have a liberty to appeal to heaven."
Locke's philosophy centered on the concept of natural rights, which are inherent and inalienable. These rights, including life, liberty, and property, are granted by God or nature, not by human institutions. This idea challenged the prevailing belief that kings or governments were the ultimate authority over people's lives. Locke argued that governments are established to protect these natural rights. If a government fails in this duty, it loses its legitimacy, and the people have the right to resist or overthrow it.
The American Revolution and Inalienable Rights
The Declaration of Independence
Locke's ideas profoundly influenced the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence, which states that "all men are created equal" and "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights," including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This document, like the Pine Tree Flag, reflects the belief that rights are inherent and come from a higher authority, providing a moral foundation for the colonists' actions.
Legacy of Natural Rights
The Pine Tree Flag represents a profound belief in inalienable rights and the moral justification for resistance against tyranny. The concept that rights are inalienable and come from a higher power became a cornerstone of American political philosophy and has continued to influence democratic thought worldwide. It establishes the principle that governments are accountable to the people they serve and must respect and protect their fundamental rights.
Today, this spirit of liberty and justice continues to resonate deeply within the American ethos. The ideals symbolized by the Pine Tree Flag—freedom, resistance against tyranny, and the belief in fundamental rights that transcend governmental authority—are enduring aspects of the American spirit. These principles, born out of the struggle over the very trees marked by British control, are integral to the nation's identity and serve as a reminder that the fight for justice and liberty is a timeless pursuit, ensuring that these values shall never perish from the earth.
Eric J. Nunes
2 Conifers | Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust (greatpondtrust.org)
The White Pine Acts – Who Knew? - Connecticut History | a CTHumanities Project
The Project Gutenberg eBook of Second Treatise Of Government, by John Locke