 Official Symbols
The "Bear Flag"
of the California Republic was first raised at
Sonoma on June 14, 1846, by a group of American
settlers in revolt against Mexican rule. The flag
was designed by William Todd. The star imitated
the "Lone Star" of Texas, while the
grizzly bear represented the many bears seen in
the area. The flag only flew until July 9, when
it was learned that Mexico and the United States
were already at war. Soon after, the Bear Flag
was replaced with the American flag. The
"Bear Flag" was adopted as the official
state flag by the 1911 State Legislature. |
