California
#1073
SVGFull size
#1153 · state
California (1911–1953)
Historical California Bear Flag variant used from 1911 to 1953, showing a red star, a walking grizzly bear on green grass, the words “CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC,” and a broad red bottom stripe on a white field.
Traits
- Layout
- Complex
- Pattern
- Complex
- Symbols
- Animal, Text
- Emblem
- Center
- Text
- Name
Details
- Catalogue
- #1153
- Favorites
- 1
- Added
- Jul 1, 2025
- Image source
- commons.wikimedia.org
History
California formally adopted the Bear Flag as its state flag in 1911, drawing on the symbolism of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt. The 1911 law defined the main elements of the design but did not fully standardize the bear image, colors, or proportions, so many variants were used until 1953. The grizzly bear represents strength and early California, the lone red star recalls the 1836 Lone Star Flag associated with Juan Alvarado’s rebellion, the red stripe signifies bold resolve, and the inscription refers to the short-lived California Republic of 1846.
