California’s official flag, the Bear Flag, has hardly changed at all from what it looked like when it was first raised by American settlers during an uprising against Mexico in 1846. The uprising, led by John C. Fremont and a small band of California settlers, was called the Bear Flag Revolt. They declared the state to be the California Republic and began a war of independence from Mexico. The republic lasted less than a month, June 14 to July 11 when troops from the United States arrived to take over the war. The war ended on February 2nd, 1848 when the U.S. and Mexico signed off the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Although the California Republic was short-lived, its flag has become the official flag of California. It is a living symbol of our history and tradition. To learn more about the Bear Flag Revolt visit:
www.ccnet.com/~laplaza/calhist4.htm