This monument was erected by the natives sons of the Golden West and the State of California to commemorate the raising of the Bear Flag on this spot June 14, 1846 by the Bear Flag Party and their declaration of the freedom of California from Mexican rule on July 9, 1846. The Bear Flag was hauled down and the American Flag here raised in its place by Lieutenant Joseph W. Revere U.S.A. who was sent to Sonoma from San Francisco by Commander John B. Montgomery of the U.S. Sloop of War "Portsmouth" following the raising of the American Flag at Monterey July 7, 1846 by Commodore John Drake Sloat. Sonoma was once the Sonoma County seat but no longer holds that honor.