The California Republic flag—commonly called the Bear Flag—features a lone grizzly walking toward a red star and a bold red stripe along the bottom, with the words “CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC” centered beneath the bear. Adopted in 1911, the flag traces its roots to the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, when a small group of settlers declared independence from Mexican rule and raised a crude flag bearing a grizzly and a star. The grizzly symbolizes strength and independence; the red star nods to the lone star of Texas and the desire for sovereignty. Today the flag stands as a widely recognized emblem of California’s rugged natural heritage, independent spirit, and diverse cultural history—an enduring symbol flown across cities, mountains, and coastlines from the Sierra to the Pacific.
The California Republic flag—commonly called the Bear Flag—features a lone grizzly walking toward a red star and a bold red stripe along the bottom, with the words “CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC” centered beneath the bear. Adopted in 1911, the flag traces its roots to the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, when a small group of settlers declared independence from Mexican rule and raised a crude flag bearing a grizzly and a star. The grizzly symbolizes strength and independence; the red star nods to the lone star of Texas and the desire for sovereignty. Today the flag stands as a widely recognized emblem of California’s rugged natural heritage, independent spirit, and diverse cultural history—an enduring symbol flown across cities, mountains, and coastlines from the Sierra to the Pacific.
