The Historic Bear Flag was raised at Sonoma on June 14, 1846, by a small group of American settlers in revolt against Mexican rule. The settlers marched on the Mexican garrison and took the commandant, Mariano Vallejo, prisoner. They issued a proclamation which declared California to be a Republic independent of Mexico.
This uprising became known as the Bear Flag Revolt after the hastily designed flag depicting a grizzly bear and a five pointed star over a red bar and the words "California Republic." The flag was designed by William Todd on a piece of new unbleached cotton. The grizzly bear was a symbol of great strength and represented the many bears seen in the state, while the lone star made reference to the lone Star of Texas. The words, "California Republic were placed beneath the star and bear. 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.