California’s state flag, with its image of a grizzly bear and the phrase “California Republic,” is perhaps one of the most iconic state flags in all of America. However, many may not be familiar with its origins. Greg Tilles, a history professor at Diablo Valley College, will discuss the historical event that inspired California’s current flag— as well as how Benicia co-founder Robert Semple played a role in it— in an upcoming presentation to the Benicia Historical Society.

Prior to California’s statehood, it was part of a Mexican territory known as Alta California. Clashes between Mexican Gov. Pio Pico and U.S. President James K. Polk, who had favored expansion of the U.S. and had admitted the former Mexican territory of Texas as a U.S. state in 1845, led to rumors of a war between the two countries. Adding to this tension was the growing number of Americans immigrating to Alta California, prompting the Mexican government to deny immigrants the right to buy or own land and even threaten expulsion if they did not become naturalized citizens. This resulted in a rebellion that began on June 14, 1846 that came to be known as the Bear Flag Revolt. More than 30 American settlers, including Semple, came to Sonoma to order the arrest of General Mariano Vallejo— the namesake of the city of Vallejo, as well as the husband of Benicia’s namesake—and declare a republican government in California. The revolt resulted in the creation of a breakaway state called the California Republic. It was never formally recognized and only lasted for 25 days before the Mexican-American War started.

The revolt was named for a flag that was raised outside the Sonoma Barracks that featured a star, the outline of a grizzly bear and the phrase “California Republic.” The flag was donated to the Society of California Pioneers in 1855, where it was preserved at Pioneer Hall in San Francisco for 51 years until it was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. Replicas are known to exist, and the design inspired the current California state flag, which was officially adopted in 1911.

Tilles will discuss the origins of this event and how Semple, Vallejo and John C. Fremont played a part in it. Attendees will get a lesson in local, state and U.S. history in one presentation.

The event will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 23 at Camellia Tea Room, located at 828 First St. The cost is free for Society members and $5 for non-members. For more information, visit http://beniciahistoricalsociety.org/2017-03-23-greg-tilles-presentation or email info@beniciahistoricalsociety.org.

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