California State Flag

POLY-MAX™
• Made of 2-ply 100% polyester bunting.
• Open weave construction reduces wind resistance, increasing flag life.
• Extremely durable.
• Finished with white header and brass grommets.
• Ideal for commercial applications and high wind areas.

ENDURA-NYLON™
• Made of 100% heavyweight, 200-denier nylon bunting.
• Aniline-dyed for brilliant, fast colors.
• Treated to resist fading.
• Fast drying.
• State, Territory and World flags constructed to precise specifications.
• Finished with white header and brass grommets.
• Flies in the slightest breeze

Official State Flag of California

The current flag of California is meant to be a recreation of the original Californian flag that was lost in the devastating earthquake of 1906. California was without a state flag until 1911. The grizzly bear that appears on the white field is now extinct but in 1846 would have been an ideal symbol of ferocity. Adopted in 1849, the grizzly bear also appears in the state seal.

Symbols on California's Flag

The once common California grizzly bear (also the official state animal) portrays strength; the star represents sovereignty; the red color signifies courage; and the white background stands for purity.

The Bear Flag Revolt

On June 14, 1846, a small band of settlers marched on the Mexican garrison at Sonoma and took the commandant prisoner. They issued a proclamation which declared California to be a Republic independent of Mexico. This uprising became known as the Bear Flag Revolt (after the hastily-designed flag depicting a grizzly bear and a five pointed star over a red bar and the words "California Republic."

The grizzly bear was a symbol of great strength while the star made reference to the Lone Star of Texas. The flag only flew until July 9, 1846 when it was learned that Mexico and the United States were already at war. Soon after, the Bear Flag was replaced with the American flag. It was adopted as the State Flag by the State Legislature in 1911.