On June 14, 1846, a small band of settlers marched on the Mexican garrison at Sonoma and took the commandant, Mariano Vallejo, prisoner, They issued a proclamation which declared California to be a Republic, independent of Mexico.The grizzly bear was a symbol of great strength while the star made reference to the Lone Star of Texas. The flag only flew until July 9, 1846 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. It was adopted as the State Flag by the State Legislature in 1911.
That town was Sonoma, the state was California, and the American pioneers instigated on by insurances of help from U.S. Captain John Fremont. The flag, the pennant of the California Republic, transformed into the California State Flag. Like the Confederate cross of St. Andrew, the Bear Flag is a picture whose time has retreated and gone forward.
When the Legislature voted to adopt the rebel standard as the state flag in 1911, California was in the grip of a racist, jingoistic fever. The measure was sponsored by Sen. James Holohan from Watsonville, a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. The obvious intent of the measure was to glorify the Bear Flaggers, who were hailed as wholesome patriots. But that was far from the truth.
Its pioneer, Ezekiel Merrit, was portrayed as "a corrupt, bourbon drinking, pugnacious individual." Known as Stuttering Merrit, he was a criminal who in 1848 supposedly stole 200 pounds of gold from his business accomplice.
William Todd, who laid out the flag, from a Kentucky slave proprietors. The following is the first lieutenant, Henry L. Portage, was a U.S. Armed force coward and Sam Kelsey, the second lieutenant.
The once common California grizzly bear (also official state animal) portrays strength, the star represents sovereignty, the red color signifies courage, and the white background stands for purity.
That town was Sonoma, the state was California, and the American pioneers instigated on by insurances of help from U.S. Captain John Fremont. The flag, the pennant of the California Republic, transformed into the California State Flag. Like the Confederate cross of St. Andrew, the Bear Flag is a picture whose time has retreated and gone forward.
When the Legislature voted to adopt the rebel standard as the state flag in 1911, California was in the grip of a racist, jingoistic fever. The measure was sponsored by Sen. James Holohan from Watsonville, a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. The obvious intent of the measure was to glorify the Bear Flaggers, who were hailed as wholesome patriots. But that was far from the truth.
Its pioneer, Ezekiel Merrit, was portrayed as "a corrupt, bourbon drinking, pugnacious individual." Known as Stuttering Merrit, he was a criminal who in 1848 supposedly stole 200 pounds of gold from his business accomplice.
William Todd, who laid out the flag, from a Kentucky slave proprietors. The following is the first lieutenant, Henry L. Portage, was a U.S. Armed force coward and Sam Kelsey, the second lieutenant.
The once common California grizzly bear (also official state animal) portrays strength, the star represents sovereignty, the red color signifies courage, and the white background stands for purity.
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