Bear Flag Monument

The Bear Flag Monument is a bronze sculpture located at Sonoma Plaza, featuring a standing figure holding a flagpole in the left hand and a hat in the right. The figure rests on a massive rock base weighing approximately 40 tons.

The monument commemorates the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, when California declared independence from Mexican rule for a brief 25-day period in June. It was dedicated in 1914 by Governor Hiram Johnson and designated as California Historical Landmark number 7 in June 1932.

The four bronze plaques on the stone base display inscriptions and images showing the Bear Flag raising and related events from that period. Visitors walking around the monument can read these details and understand what happened during those days.

The monument stands at the northeastern corner of Sonoma Plaza, making it easy to locate while walking through the central area of town. This location serves as a good starting point for exploring the surrounding plaza and historic buildings nearby.

The 1914 dedication attracted about 5000 visitors, making it the largest gathering Sonoma had seen at that time. This impressive attendance shows how much the event mattered to the local community.

Location: Sonoma

Inception: 1914

Made from material: rock, bronze

GPS coordinates: 38.29323,-122.45680

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41