Monument
Bear Flag Monument
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The Bear Flag Monument stands in the center of Sonoma Plaza, a grassy square lined with historic adobes. A bronze bear tops a stone pillar, commemorating the moment on June 14, 1846, when American settlers stormed the town and declared an independent California Republic. The flag they raised, featuring a grizzly bear and a star, became the model for today's state flag. Visitors can view the monument at any time, read the inscription, and imagine the tense scene that launched a rebellion.
Don't miss
- See the bronze bear sculpture atop the stone pillar, a symbol of California's independent spirit.
- Read the plaque describing the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt and the republic's 25-day existence.
- Photograph the monument against the backdrop of Sonoma's historic plaza and Mission San Francisco Solano.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Bear Flag Monument
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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