Exhibit of the Bear Flags
The Bear Flag Revolt
"The defense of California, completely neglected
by Mexico and lacking support from unstable Californio
administrations, led to the unusual condition where any
of several world powers could have easily occupied California.
In point of fact, the Yankee residents themselves were
the first to do it, in the Bear Flag revolt of June 1846.
Just one month after, due to the Mexican-American war
that in turn stemmed from the Yankee takeover of Texas,
the American Navy took control of California without firing
a shot. Most Californios were resigned to inevitable Yankee
rule, though a revolt at Los Angeles led to a pocket of
Californio resistance lasting from September 1846 to January
1847."
http://www.ccnet.com/~laplaza/calhist.htm
The Bear Flags
PERMISSION
TO USE THE FOLLOWING IMAGES AND INFORMATION WAS GRANTED
BY Kathy Aanestad. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING SITE FOR
A MORE COMPLETE PRESENTATION CONCERNING THE BEAR FLAG
REVOLT OF CALIFORNIA.
http://www.vom.com/bearflag/bearflag.htm
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THE TODD FLAG
This flag was painted by William Todd, a nephew of Mary
Todd (Mrs. Abraham) Lincoln. The design is generally accepted
as that hoisted over Sonoma in June of 1846, and served
as the model for the current state flag. The Todd flag
was destroyed in the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire
of 1906.
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THE McCHRISTIAN FLAG
This flag -- now in a private collection -- is the only
surviving flag known to have belonged to a "Bear
Flagger." The design combines elements of both the
Bear Flag and the Stars and Stripes. The style of the
bear -- because of its remarkable similarity to a famous
painting of a California grizzly done by Charles Nahl
in 1850 -- probably indicates the flag was made after
this date. Nevertheless, it is one of the oldest surviving
Bear Flags.
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FREMONT FLAG
Because John C. Fremont was on a topographical expedition
into areas claimed by Mexico, he chose not to carry a
regular U.S. flag. Instead, his wife, Jessie, drew and
made this flag using elements of design taken from the
Stars and Stripes and Army regimental flags. The white
canton featured twenty-six stars, outlined in blue, in
two undulating waves above and below a blue eagle clutching
in its talons nine blue arrows and a red and white peace
pipe, the latter being a more recognizable sign of peace
to the Indians than the classic olive branch. This flag
is displayed in the library of the Sounthwest Museum in
Los Angeles, California.
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THE REVERE GUIDON
A Guidon is a small flag used to guide and rally troops.
This flag was removed by U.S. Navy Lt. Joseph Warren Revere,
Paul Revere's grandson, from the barracks at Sonoma as
a souvenir. It is believed to be one of the guidons of
the California Battalion. It was returned to California
at the suggestion of General William T. Sherman, only
to be destroyed with the Todd Flag in the San Francisco
Earthquake and Fire of 1906.
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THE IDE FLAG
This is a reconstruction of a flag designed by H.L. Ford
for William Ide. Its design is reminiscent of both the
Todd and Storm flags.
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SONOMA'S CITY FLAG
Created by Sonoman Joseph Staub, 33, who won Sonoma's
recent flag contest. The following are exerpts from an
article in the Sonoma Index-Tribune, April 9, 1996:
"The star and bear refer to Sonoma's distinction
of being the birthplace of Clifornia. The blue sky and
green hills represent our beautiful geographic setting.
Sonoma's City Hall stands for community, and the blessings
and responsibilities of municipal life. Red, white and
blue honor our heritage as Americans; red, green and white
pay homage to Mexican culture and its great contributions."
...Joseph Staub.
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THE DR. SEMPLE FLAG
The image of this flag is based upon a description, since
the original flag has not survived. Dr. Semple was one
of the men that arrested General Vallejo.
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THE STORM FLAG
This flag, depicting the bear standing, was sewn by Peter
Storm for use by the Bear Flag Party, and may have preceded
the Todd Flag. It was buried with Storm in Calistoga,
California.
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THE SWASEY FLAG
This reconstruction is based on a description in Bancroft's
History of California . The red, white, and blue stripes
were probably inspired by the American flag.
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THE PIO PICO FLAG
This design, which appears as an illustration at the bottom
of the Spanish version of California's Proclamation of
Independence made for Pio Pico, probably never was made
into a flag. This is the only version of the Bear Flag
depicted with a vertical stripe.
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Bear Flags
PERMISSION TO USE THE FOLLOWING IMAGES
AND INFORMATION WAS GRANTED BY Kathy Aanestad.
PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING
SITE FOR A MORE COMPLETE PRESENTATION CONCERNING THE BEAR
FLAG REVOLT OF CALIFORNIA.
http://www.vom.com/bearflag/bearflag.htm
