Flag History
The first flag of California was hastily created by a group of American settlers who revolted against Mexican control in California. After capturing the town of Sonoma, they tore down the Mexican flag and replaced it with one they constructed from odds and ends of cloth and materials. Legend tells that the white field and red stripe were made from women's petticoats. William Todd, cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln, drew a single red star, the words "California Republic" and a sketch of a grizzly bear, that the rebels met as they fought the Mexican army. It was also a symbol of the settlers determination to gain independence. That flag was kept in San Francisco until it was destroyed in an earthquake. The design has remained basically the same throughout the years.
Flag Adopted: 1911
State Nickname: The Golden State
State Motto: Eureka (meaning "I have found it")
Area: 158,693 square miles
Approximate Population: 24 million
Capital: Sacramento
Largest City: Los Angeles
Major Products: oil, natural gas, gold, cotton, fruit, electronics, tourism
State Colors: Blue and gold
State Bird: California Valley Quail
State Tree: California Redwood
State Flower: Golden Poppy
State Animal: Grizzly Bear
