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. |
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Juan
Bautista de Anza led two
exploratory missions into northern
California. The first made it to Mission
San Gabriel near present-day Los Angeles
in 1774. The second expedition resulted
in the founding of what is now San
Francisco, in 1776. In 1778 he helped
create the longest-lasting peace treaty
ever signed by the Comanches and any of
the governments of Spain, Mexico or the
United States. |
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