Bear Flag Monument
Commemorating the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, this monument on Sonoma Plaza marks California's brief declaration of independence.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Bear Flag Monument
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Commemorating the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, this monument on Sonoma Plaza marks California's brief declaration of independence.
"A pivotal historical marker on a vibrant plaza, rich with community and California's founding spirit."
🎯 Explore Sonoma Plaza
The monument is on Sonoma Plaza, which hosts a vibrant market on Tuesdays. :shopping_bags:
📜 Understand the History
The Bear Flag Revolt was a short-lived republic. Learn about its context and symbolism. :books:
Highlights
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The Bear Flag Monument
Sonoma Plaza
A bronze sculpture marking the site of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, symbolizing California's declaration of independence.
Sonoma Plaza Market
Sonoma Plaza
Vibrant Tuesday market with local vendors, food trucks, and live music, offering a lively community atmosphere.
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Understanding the Bear Flag's Legacy
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Sonoma Plaza
The monument is on Sonoma Plaza, which hosts a vibrant market on Tuesdays. :shopping_bags:
📜 Understand the History
The Bear Flag Revolt was a short-lived republic. Learn about its context and symbolism. :books:
📸 Capture the Moment
The monument is a great photo op, especially with the plaza as a backdrop. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk the Plaza
Enjoy the surrounding historic buildings and charming atmosphere of Sonoma. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Sonoma Plaza
The monument is on Sonoma Plaza, which hosts a vibrant market on Tuesdays. :shopping_bags:
📜 Understand the History
The Bear Flag Revolt was a short-lived republic. Learn about its context and symbolism. :books:
📸 Capture the Moment
The monument is a great photo op, especially with the plaza as a backdrop. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk the Plaza
Enjoy the surrounding historic buildings and charming atmosphere of Sonoma. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Bear Flag Monument a significant historical marker on the charming Sonoma Plaza. While the monument itself is a quick visit, the surrounding plaza offers a lively atmosphere, especially on Tuesdays with its popular market, food trucks, and live music. Some note the historical complexities of the revolt and its impact.
"Group get together, at Sonoma Square on Tuesday afternoon, May 22. Apparently every Tuesday Sonoma Square has dozens of vendors, food trucks, live music and games. It was so beautiful to see families, friends and people of all ages enjoying simple pleasures, on a beautiful afternoon/evening."
Peter Herman
"This monument, a bronze sculpture of a man raising a flag set upon a large rock, was put up in 1914 by the state of California and the Native Sons of the Golden West as a tribute to the 68th anniversary of the "Bear Flag" being raised during the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846.
The sculptor was John A. MacQuarrie, a noted San Francisco artist.
On June 1, 1932, the monument was declared a California Historical Landmark (#7 in the still-expanding series).
It’s not 100% certain what the so-called Bear Flag that was raised here exactly looked like as various versions were hurriedly made in the days following June 14th, 1846 to fly over the town and area. It symbolized the short-lived independence rebellion precipitated by American settlers in California's Sacramento Valley against Mexican authorities The flag that was taken down just over three weeks later on July 9, 1846 to be replaced by the Stars and Stripes, was almost certainly that created by William Todd and others. It was subsequently destroyed in the fires following the San Francisco earthquake on 1906, but its image has become the de facto flag of the Bear Flag Revolt."
Marcus Lodwick
"Not really the context I expected under the title of "native sons." Seems like they forgot who the lands actually belonged to before"
Lukas Voesenek
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bear Flag Monument is located in the heart of Sonoma Plaza, easily accessible by car. Parking is available around the plaza. If coming from San Francisco, it's about a 1-hour drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there is ample street parking and several parking lots surrounding Sonoma Plaza. Be aware that parking can be more challenging on Tuesdays due to the popular farmer's market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Bear Flag Monument is an outdoor public sculpture located on Sonoma Plaza and is free to visit at any time.
The monument is accessible 24/7 as it is part of the public Sonoma Plaza. However, the surrounding shops and restaurants have their own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Bear Flag Monument is a bronze sculpture commemorating the raising of the Bear Flag on June 14, 1846, during the Bear Flag Revolt, a pivotal moment in California's history.
The Bear Flag Revolt was a brief uprising by American settlers against Mexican rule, leading to the declaration of the independent California Republic. It was a precursor to California becoming a U.S. state.
Yes, the monument is a California Historical Landmark, designated as such in 1932, marking the site of this significant historical event.
Sonoma Plaza is surrounded by historic buildings, tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants. It also hosts a popular farmer's market every Tuesday.
Absolutely! The monument is a popular spot for photos, capturing a piece of California's history. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Sonoma Plaza is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and wine tasting rooms offering a variety of cuisines and local wines. On Tuesdays, the farmer's market also features many food trucks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the monument and the plaza. Tuesdays can be busy but offer vibrant market scenes.
The monument's bronze sculpture against the backdrop of Sonoma Plaza's historic architecture and the California sky provides a compelling visual narrative.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
You can easily spend an afternoon hopping between tasting rooms, sampling everything from crisp Chardonnays to robust Zinfandels. 🏛️ History Buffs
+1 Beyond the monument, the entire Sonoma Plaza is a designated California Historical Landmark, dotted with other significant sites like the Sonoma Barracks and the Mission San Francisco Solano. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bear Flag Revolt: A Brief History
This rebellion occurred during the Mexican-American War, and the independent republic lasted only 25 days before the U.S. military took control of California. The original Bear Flag was later destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but its design became the basis for the current California State Flag, officially adopted in 1911.
It's important to note that the narrative of the Bear Flag Revolt is complex. While often portrayed as a fight for freedom, some historians argue it was also a land grab by American settlers and a key step in the U.S. acquisition of California.
+1Exploring Sonoma Plaza
The plaza truly comes alive on Tuesdays, when it transforms into a bustling farmer's market. Dozens of local vendors set up stalls offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, crafts, and more. Food trucks provide diverse culinary options, and live music often fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere.
Beyond the market, Sonoma Plaza is a destination for wine tasting and shopping. Numerous tasting rooms offer samples of the renowned Sonoma County wines, and boutique shops provide unique souvenirs and local goods. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, soaking in the ambiance and discovering the charm of this historic California town.
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