What was the Bear Flag Revolt?
Sarah Duran
Updated on March 04, 2026
What was the Bear Flag Revolt?
Bear Flag Revolt, (June–July 1846), short-lived independence rebellion precipitated by American settlers in California’s Sacramento Valley against Mexican authorities. Ide, the Americans issued a declaration of independence and hoisted a flag, its white ground emblazoned with a grizzly bear facing a red star.
What was the Bear Flag Revolt and what did they do?
During the Bear Flag Revolt, from June to July 1846, a small group of American settlers in California rebelled against the Mexican government and proclaimed California an independent republic.
Why was it called the Bear Flag Revolt?
As tensions rose, a small band of American insurgents captured the town of Sonoma, home to an influential Mexican general. To replace the Mexican flag flying overhead, they designed a flag featuring a grizzly bear. They become known as the Bears, and their uprising was called the Bear Flag Revolt.
What does the bear flag symbolize?
The once common California grizzly bear (also the official state animal) portrays strength; the star represents sovereignty; the red color signifies courage; and the white background stands for purity.
When was the Bear Flag Revolt?
June 1846
Bear Flag Revolt, June 1846.
How did the Bear Flag Revolt end?
The Bear Flag Revolt and whatever remained of the “California Republic” ceased to exist on July 9 when U.S. Navy Lieutenant Joseph Revere raised the United States flag in front of the Sonoma Barracks and sent a second flag to be raised at Sutter’s Fort.
What happened to the Bear Flag Republic?
Who was president during the Bear Flag Revolt?
California Republic and the Bear Flag Revolt: James Polk was the 11th American President who served in office from March 4, 1845 to March 4, 1849. One of the important events during his presidency was the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt in California.
Who won the Bear Flag Revolt?
The navy seized Monterey on July 7, declaring California a part of the United States. Two days later, the Bear Flag Revolt officially ended as California was absorbed into the union.
When did the Bear Flag Revolt end?
Bear Flag Revolt
| Bear Flaggers of the Bear Flag Revolt | |
|---|---|
| Active | June 8, 1846 – July 9, 1846 Centralist Republic of Mexico, Department of Alta California |
| Disbanded | 1846 |
| Allegiance | California Republic United States |
| Type | militia |
Why is the California flag a bear?
The California state flag is also known as the Bear Flag. The flag used today was first adopted on February 3, 1911. It is believed that the bear on the flag is based on the last California grizzly kept in captivity. This bear was named “Monarch.”
Who made the California bear flag?
Donald Graeme Kelley
Flag of California
| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Adopted | February 3, 1911 (standardized 1953) |
| Design | A single red star in the canton, a red stripe along the bottom, and a California grizzly bear atop a mound of green grass defacing a white field. |
| Designed by | Donald Graeme Kelley, based on flag flown during the Bear Flag Revolt |
