Sonoma in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Raising of the Bear Flag

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

1. Raising of the Bear Flag Monument Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This Monument was erected by the Native Sons of the Golden West and the State of California to commemorate the raising of the Bear Flag on this spot June 14, 1846 by the Bear Flag Party and their declaration of freedom of California from Mexican rule. On July 9, 1846 the Bear Flag was hauled down and the American Flag here raised in its place by Lieutenant Joseph W. Revere, U.S.A., who was sent to Sonoma from San Francisco by Commander John D. Montgomery of the U.S. Sloop of War “Portsmouth”, following the raising of the American Flag at Monterey July 7, 1846 by Commodore John Drake Sloat.

Erected 1914 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1810.

Location. 38° 17.594′ N, 122° 27.408′ W. Marker is in Sonoma, California, in Sonoma

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

2. Raising of the Bear Flag Monument Marker

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County. Marker is at the intersection of First Street East and East Spain Street, on the right when traveling south on First Street East. Marker and Monument are located at the North Eastern corner of the Sonoma City Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sonoma CA 95476, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sonoma Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Toscano Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The End of the Mission Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Vasquez House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mission San Francisco Solano Sacred Ground (about 300 feet away); Servants Quarters (about 300 feet away); Mission San Francisco Solano (about 300 feet away); The Poppe-Parmelee Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sonoma.

More about this marker. The crossed flag and bear plaque and the statue were designed by John McQuarry (Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 6 August 1915, p2), the "Raising of the Bear Flag" plaque on the back of the monument was designed by local artist Paul Robin (Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 17 August 1915, p2).

The original Bear Flag was designed by William Todd, nephew of the wife of Abraham Lincoln.

On July 9, 1846, the Bear Flag was replaced with the Stars and Stripes by Lt.Joseph Revere, grandson of Paul Revere.

The Bear Flag became the official state flag in 1911.

Regarding Raising of the Bear Flag. This site was designated California Historical Landmark No.7 on June 1, 1932, and re-dedicated by the Native Sons of the Golden West, April 2000.

Also see . . . Bear Flagger’s Statements. The Bear Flag Museum Collection of statements made regarding the Bear Flag Party (Submitted on January 12, 2009.)

Additional commentary.
1. Presidio Barracks (Sonoma Barracks) and Bear Flag Monument
The Sonoma Barracks was erected in 1836, by General

Monument and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

3. Monument and Marker

Vallejo, as quarters for the Mexican soldiers that defended the Pueblo de Sonoma. In June 1846, concerned that Mexico was planning to drive American settlers out of California, Captain John Fremont and a party of 33 men made a surprise attack against the Pueblo de Sonoma and captured General Vallejo. Since their action didn't represent the United States, the American Flag could not be raised. Instead, the "Bear Flag of the California Republic" was created and raised over Sonoma. Three weeks later American forces landed in Monterey and declared California a territory of the United States. On July 9, 1846, the Bear Flag was replaced with the "Stars and Stripes" by Lt.Joseph Revere, grandson of Paul Revere.
Source: Discover Historic California, by George & Jan Roberts

— Submitted January 13, 2009.

Sculpture on Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

4. Sculpture on Monument

Artwork on Back of Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

5. Artwork on Back of Monument

The Raising of the Bear Flag, June 14, 1846

Additional Marker at the Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

6. Additional Marker at the Monument

Donated by the Native Sons of the Golden West, April 2000.

Original Bear Flag Replica on Display at Sonoma Barracks Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2008

7. Original Bear Flag Replica on Display at Sonoma Barracks Museum

The Bear Flag Story The original Bear Flag was made in the Sonoma Barracks on June 14 or 15, 1846. It flew over Sonoma until July 9, 1846 when it was replaced by the Stars and Stripes. Other Bear Flags - four or more of them - were made between June 15 and July 9 for use at Bodega Bay and elsewhere. When the original Bear Flag was lowered at Sonoma July 9, it was given as a momento to one of the sons of Captain Montgomery of the U.S.S. Portsmouth then at anchor in San Francisco Bay. Montgomery took the flag to Washington,D.C. where it was placed in the archives of the Naval Department. In 1855, at the request of California's Congressional delegation, the flag was returned to California for permanent display in the San Francisco headquarters of the Society of California Pioneers. The flag on display here is a copy made by Pioneers before the original flag was destroyed in the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906. Source: Sonoma Barracks Museum

Directional Sign at Entrance to Sonoma Plaza Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009

8. Directional Sign at Entrance to Sonoma Plaza Area

Raising of the Bear Flag Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By A.F.Broad, San Francisco

9. Raising of the Bear Flag Monument

Description on postcard:
Bear Flag Monument, Sonoma, Cal.

Photographed By Ed Wood, Forestville, Cal. , H.S. Crocker, S.F.

10. Raising of the Bear Flag Monument

Description on postcard:
MONUMENT TO THE RAISING OF THE BEAR FLAG Sonoma, California This monument was erected by the Native Sons of the Golden West and the State of California to commemorate the raising of the Bear Flag on this spot June14, 1846 by the Bear Flag Party and their declaration of the freedom of California from Mexican rule. On July 9, 1846, the Bear Flag was hauled down and the American Flag raised in its place by Lt. J.W. Revere, U.S.A., who was sent to Sonoma from San Francisco by Commander J.B. Montgomery of the U.S. Sloop of War Portsmouth, following the raising of the American Flag at Monterey July 7, 1846, by Commodore John Drake Sloat.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,485 times since then and 58 times this year. Last updated on December 3, 2020, by James King of San Miguel, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on January 12, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 9, 10. submitted on January 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.