California’s iconic Bear Flag originates with the Bear Flag Revolt against Mexico in 1846. Notable bear flags were designed by Peter Storm and William L. Todd (cousin to Mary Todd Lincoln).
After Todd’s Bear Flag was destroyed in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, a new version was created and California officially adopted it February 3, 1911.
In 1953 the flag was standardized with the bear’s rendering based upon a watercolor by painter Charles Christian Nahl.
The California flag features a field of white charged with a brown grizzly bear walking on a patch of green grass at the flag’s center.
Below the bear, the words “California Republic” are inscribed. A red stripe spans the length of the fly. A five-pointed red star is placed in the flag’s upper left.
California
Note: The lone star is borrowed from the Lone Star Flag which flew during Juan Alvarado’s rebellion against Mexico in 1836.
strength, unyielding resistance
Note: The bear was modeled after Monarch, the last California grizzly in captivity who died in 1911.
freedom, sovereignty
Note: First featured on the Todd Flag during the Bear Flag Revolt, representing California’s desired independence.
California statute is very specific about the five colors featured on its flag.
It is one of only four state flags to not include blue.
The flag should have a proportion of 2:3.
California statute specifies the proportion and spacing for the flag’s visual elements, which is rendered here.
Flown in 1836 during Juan Alvarado’s rebellion.
Designed by Peter Storm and flown in 1846.
A variant of the Bear Flag William L. Todd in 1846.
The current California state flag, standardized in 1953.