The Bear Flag Revolt

In the early 1800s most of California was under Mexican rule. On June 14, 1846 a group of Anglo settlers who were variously described as ragtag drunkards to patriots seized the Mexican commandante-general in Sonoma and declared California the Bear Flag Republic with Sonoma as it's capital. The Bear Flag was raised that same day.On June 23, the US Army arrived and took command, replacing the Bear Flag with the Stars and Stripes. A monument to the rebels still stands in the Northeast corner of Sonoma Plaza.Bear Flag Day is celebrated and reenacted every year on Sonoma Plaza.

The Bear Flag Statue, Sonoma PlazaClick image to enlarge.