California.

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.

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.

Los Angeles: Basic Facts

Misión San Francis de Asís was established on June 27, 1776, by Father Francisco Palou and José Joaquin Moraga. The town of Yerba Buena was established nearby. As time went by the town took the name Saint Francis, while the mission popularly became known as Dolores. Now the oldest building in San Francisco, the original church structure has withstood three major earthquakes with barely a crack in its thick walls.

THE ROBINSON LIBRARY --> American History. --> United States: Local History and Description. --> Pacific States.

This page was last updated on 10/26/2009.