Bear Flag Monument

The Sonoma Valley Woman's Club marked this spot in marble in 1907, seven years before the Native Sons raised the boulder. Both commemorate an armed seizure: American settlers took the plaza, carried Vallejo off a prisoner and called it freedom from Mexican rule. William Todd's flag, painted with berry juice and brick dust, bore a bear many took for a pig. It came down after 25 days and burned in San Francisco in 1906. The bronze calls Revere U.S.A.; he was a Navy lieutenant. A 1976 bicentennial plate nearby salutes the citizens of 2076.

What the plaque says

Bear Flag raised June 14, 1846. erected July 4, 1907. S.V.W.C. 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 the 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 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. The Raising of the Bear Flag June 14 · 1846

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Presidio of Sonoma (Sonoma Barracks) — steps away
• Blue Wing Inn — steps away
• Swiss Hotel — steps away
• Salvador Vallejo Adobe — steps away