California: A Vexillological Buffet Through the Ages
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, surf, and... a surprisingly dramatic past when it comes to flags. Buckle up, history buffs (and those who just enjoy a good flag pun), because we're about to embark on a journey through the ever-changing fabric (literally) of the Golden State.
From Swashbuckling Explorers to Furry Freedom Fighters: A Banner Bonanza
California's flag history is like a wild party with way too many uninvited guests. We've got:
- Sir Francis Drake: This swashbuckling Englishman waltzed in around 1579, stuck a Union Jack in the ground, declared it "New Albion," and then promptly waltzed back out again. Commitment issues, much?
- The Spanish Conquistadors: These guys stuck around a bit longer, bringing their fancy red and gold banners with them. For over 200 years, California was part of the vast Spanish Empire. ¡Olé!
- The Russians? Really? Yep, those fur traders weren't shy about hoisting the Tsar's flag along the Sonoma Coast in the early 1800s. Though their presence was short-lived, it adds a touch of the unexpected to the flag flinging frenzy.
But wait, there's more! We haven't even gotten to the Mexican flag, the short-lived "Lone Star" flag of an attempted California republic, and of course, the iconic Bear Flag Revolt.
The Bear Flag Revolt: When California Almost Became a Republic (with Bears)
This one's a real doozy. In 1846, a bunch of American settlers decided they weren't feeling the Mexican vibe and raised a flag featuring a grizzly bear (because why not?). The whole thing lasted about a month before the U.S. military rolled in, but the Bear Flag became a symbol of Californian independence (and a great souvenir).
And the Winner Is... (Drumroll Please)
Fast forward to today, and the California State Flag reigns supreme. It's a beauty, featuring the aforementioned grizzly bear chilling on some grass with a red star keeping him company.
So, how many flags in total? Well, depending on how strict you are with the definition of "flown" and how long it has to last, the answer is somewhere between 10 and 15.
California's flag history is a reminder that sometimes the best things come from a crazy mix of influences. Who knows, maybe someday we'll see a Hollywood flag with a surfboard and a movie star – now that would be a sight to behold!
