Welcome to the Bear Flag Monument, a pivotal piece of California’s rich history, located in the vibrant Sonoma Plaza. This monument stands as a tribute to the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, a short-lived but significant event that marked California’s brief declaration of independence from Mexico.
Our story begins in June 1846, when a group of 33 American settlers, led by figures such as William Ide and Ezekiel Merritt, took matters into their own hands. Frustrated by Mexican rule that restricted land ownership and fearing expulsion, these settlers raised a flag featuring a grizzly bear—a symbol of their newfound republic. This event took place right here in Sonoma, a strategic area north of San Francisco.
The rebellion, known as the Bear Flag Revolt, was somewhat encouraged by U.S. Army Brevet Captain John C. Frémont. The Californios, native residents of California, had been considering their future, debating whether to stay under Mexican rule or seek annexation by another power. The Bear Flag Revolt added to the tensions already simmering due to the Mexican-American War.
However, the Bear Flag Republic was short-lived. Just 25 days later, on July 9, 1846, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Joseph Revere arrived in Sonoma. He lowered the bear flag and raised the American flag, signaling the end of the Bear Flag Republic and the beginning of California’s transition to American control.
This monument, a bronze sculpture by artist John A. MacQuarrie, was erected in 1914 by the State of California and the Native Sons of the Golden West. It portrays a man holding a flag, standing proudly on a massive rock base, marking the very spot where the original bear flag was raised. The monument is a focal point during the annual Bear Flag Celebration, where the bear flag is ceremoniously raised to commemorate this historic event.
As you stand here, imagine the energy and determination of those early settlers who dared to dream of independence. Their actions, though brief, set the stage for California’s eventual admission into the United States. The Bear Flag Monument not only commemorates the revolt but also serves as a reminder of the complex history that shaped modern California.
