Bear Flag Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Flag Monument |
|
|---|---|
| Raising of the Bear Flag | |
 |
|
| Artist | John A. MacQuarrie |
| Year | 1914 |
| Type | Bronze sculpture |
| Dimensions | 240 cm × 180 cm (96 in × 72 in) |
| Location | Sonoma, California |
| 38°17′35.64″N 122°27′24.48″W / 38.2932333°N 122.4568000°W | |
| Owner | City of Sonoma |
The Bear Flag Monument (also called Raising of the Bear Flag) is a special sculpture. You can find it in the Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma, California. This monument celebrates an important event. It remembers the Bear Flag Revolt in California's history. Because it's so important, it's listed as a California Historical Landmark. In 1994, experts from the Smithsonian Institution checked on the monument.
Contents
What the Monument Looks Like
This amazing sculpture shows a man holding a flag. He stands on a huge rock. This rock weighs about 40 tons! The man holds a flagpole in his left hand. In his right hand, he holds a hat. He stands tall and wears a neckerchief and a long-sleeved shirt. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows.
The Plaques on the Rock
There are four bronze plaques on the rock base. Two are on the front and one is on the back. The artist's name, McQuarrie, is on the lower right front plaque. The lower left plaque tells you who made the bronze parts. It says: L. DE ROME FOUNDERS.
The main plaque on the front shows a grizzly bear. The bear stands on a shield. Behind the shield are crossed flags. One is the United States flag. The other is the California flag.
The Main Message
The front of the base has a long message carved into it. It explains why the monument was built:
- This monument was put up by the Native Sons of the Golden West.
- The State of California also helped.
- It remembers the raising of the Bear Flag.
- This happened on June 14, 1846, right on this spot.
- The Bear Flag Party declared California free from Mexican rule.
- On July 9, 1846, the Bear Flag was taken down.
- The American flag was raised instead.
- Lieutenant Joseph W. Revere of the U.S. Army did this.
- He was sent from San Francisco by Commander John B. Montgomery.
- This happened after the American flag was raised in Monterey on July 7, 1846.
A special mark from the people who made the bronze can also be seen.
The Back Plaque
The plaque on the back shows the actual revolt. It shows men on horseback and on foot. They are raising the bear flag. It says:
- THE RAISING
- OF THE BEAR FLAG
- JUNE 14, 1846
The monument is on the northeast corner of the Sonoma Plaza. This is thought to be the exact spot where the Bear Flag Revolt happened. Another large rock with a bronze plaque is nearby. That plaque also claims to be the spot where the bear flag was raised.
History of the Monument
The plaque that is now on the back was once on the front. It was moved sometime between 1914 and 1923. On June 1, 1932, the monument became a California Historical Landmark. It was the seventh place in the state to get this special title. Every year, people celebrate the Bear Flag at the monument. This event is called the Bear Flag Celebration.
How the Monument Was Built
The state of California and a group called the Native Sons of the Golden West bought the monument. They wanted to honor the 68th anniversary of the bear flag being raised. This was during the Bear Flag Revolt.
The first digging for the monument happened on October 30, 1913. About 500 members of the Native Sons of the Golden West were there. After the groundbreaking, the Native Daughters of the Golden West served dinner.
The bronze parts of the monument cost $5,000 to make. The big rock base and the sculpture were put in place a few days before the dedication. The monument was officially dedicated on June 14, 1914. The California governor at the time, Hiram Johnson, spoke at the event.
It was a huge day for Sonoma! About "1,000 automobiles" and "at least 5,000 visitors" came. The Sonoma Index-Tribune newspaper said it was the "greatest crowd Sonoma had ever seen."
Keeping the Monument Safe
In 1994, the Smithsonian Institution checked on the sculpture. They noted that it needed some special care. This care is called art conservation. It helps keep the artwork in good condition for a long time.
Gallery
-
Front view of the monument.
-
Back view of the monument.
-
Close-up of the plaque on the front.
-
Close-up of the plaque on the back.
