Presidio of Sonoma (Sonoma Barracks)

The bronze opens the building's story with the Bear Flaggers in 1846. It began a decade earlier, raised by Native laborers to house the soldiers Vallejo used to hold Mexico's northern frontier. More than a hundred expeditions rode out from here against Wappo and Pomo communities resisting that rule, some led by Sem-Yeto, the Suisun Patwin headman baptized Francisco Solano and Vallejo's closest ally. After the Americans left, Vallejo made it a winery in 1860. It was later a store, law offices and a newspaper editor's home before the state bought it in 1958.

What the plaque says

Sonoma Barracks Erected in 1836 by General M. G. Vallejo. Headquarters of Bear Flag Party which on June 14, 1846 proclaimed a "California Republic" and raised the Bear Flag on Sonoma's Plaza. Twenty three days later, July 7, 1846, Commodore John Drake Sloat, representing the United States Government, took possession of California. In April 1847 Stevenson's Regiment, Company "C," U. S. A. occupied the barracks. Tablet placed by Historic Landmarks Committee, Native Sons of the Golden West. May 1937.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Bear Flag Monument — steps away
• Blue Wing Inn — steps away
• Swiss Hotel — steps away
• Salvador Vallejo Adobe — steps away