The Birth of the Bear Republic

John Charles Fremont appeared in California in December 1845, under the impression that he was resupplying his survey team.  Fremont's instincts told him that war between the US and Mexico was near and that new rewards would be given him if he could accomplish the conquest of California.  Since there was no war yet, he convinced Mexican officials of his peaceful intentions.

By Spring however, Fremont and his men were still there, had ignored an order to leave by the Mexican military governor, Jose Castro, and had actually constructed breastworks under the flying US Stars and Stripes.

Castro dispatched a military force and Fremont was finally urged to leave.  He and his men moved north slowly into Oregon where in May 1846, he was overtaken by US Marine Lieutenant Archibald Gillespie.  Once told of imminent war, Fremont was convinced it was his duty and his ambition to go back to California.

When Fremont entered the territory, the Americans settlers were ready to stand behind him.  His men entered the village of Sonoma, north of San Francisco on June 14.  They took the village's commander prisoner and over brandy arranged for Sonoma's surrender.

The Americans declared California an independent republic and raised a homemade flag for the new Bear Republic.  The nephew of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln actually designed the flag raised over Sonoma in 1848.

Next time...The Bear Republic is short lived
______________________________________
Today in Pioneer History:  On April 17, 1970, Apollo 13, a U.S. lunar spacecraft that suffered a severe malfunction on its journey to the moon, safely returns to Earth.