California’s Bear Flag Revolt

Join us for a journey back in time to 1846, to the town of Sonoma, California.

On June 14, 1846, a group of American settlers took up arms against Mexican rule in California. These men arrested General Mariano Vallejo and declared that California was no longer part of Mexico. They proclaimed the independent Republic of California, and raised a flag with a grizzly bear and star in Sonoma's city plaza.

This event, known as the Bear Flag Revolt, was a turning point in California's history.

During this program, students will learn about some of the key moments that led up to the Bear Flag Revolt. They will hear firsthand accounts from representatives of the Mexican government, Bear Flaggers, and American government in hopes of understanding the different points of views these different groups had regarding the revolt. The program will conclude with a Q&A session.

Sonoma State Historic Park, 4th grade curriculum, California History, Bear Flag, Mariano Vallejo, William B. Ide, John Fremont, Revolt, Bear Flag Revolt.