The grizzly bear on a grass plot, with a red star above and bold stripe below, is a throwback to the short-lived Bear Flag Revolt. It conveys both independence and strength. “California Republic” remains emblazoned as if to declare a spirit still untamed, from Sierra peaks to Pacific shore.
White field with red stripe at bottom, red star and grizzly bear with grass plot.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- William Todd
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Grizzly bear
- Design type
- Pictorial emblem flag
- Complexity
- 6/10
- Readability
- 7/10
- Seal-based design
- No
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Grizzly Bear
Represents strength and unyielding resistance.
Red Star
Inspired by the California Lone Star Flag.
Red Stripe
Symbol of courage.
White Field
Symbolizes purity.
Design Breakdown
The California flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: White field with red stripe at bottom, red star and grizzly bear with grass plot.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag featuring a grizzly bear
- References a short-lived independent republic
- One of the most internationally recognizable state flags
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Powerful animal symbolism
- Strong historical narrative
- High recognizability nationwide
Common criticism
- Includes text
- Detailed illustration reduces scalability
- Less effective at small sizes
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove text
- Simplify the bear illustration
- Use a more stylized animal symbol
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the California state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain the Bear Flag Revolt.
- Identify symbols of independence in the design.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
Grizzly Bear
A California grizzly bear walking on green grass.
Attributes: Brown grizzly bear, Forward walking posture
Meaning: Strength, independence, and the former presence of grizzly bears in California
Lone Star
A single red star positioned above the bear.
Attributes: Five-pointed red star
Meaning: The Bear Flag Revolt and California’s brief period as an independent republic
Red Stripe
A red stripe running along the bottom of the flag.
Attributes: Solid red horizontal band
Meaning: Unity with the red star and reinforcement of bold visual balance
Lettering
The words 'CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC' beneath the bear.
Attributes: Black capital letters
Meaning: Commemoration of the 1846 California Republic
Historical Timeline
Bear Flag Revolt.
Current Bear Flag design adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: Pictorial emblem flag
Complexity: 6/10
Readability: 7/10
Fascinating Facts
The bear was modeled on ‘Monarch,’ a California grizzly in captivity.
California is called the Golden State for its Gold Rush history and fields of golden poppies.
The grizzly bear symbolizes strength and independence.
The single red star represents sovereignty and independence.
The red stripe along the bottom symbolizes courage and sacrifice.
The flag design dates back to the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846.
Although grizzly bears are extinct in California, the bear remains a state symbol.
The current flag design was officially adopted in 1911.
State Information
- Population
- 39,538,223
- Area
- 163,696
- Founded
- 09 Sept 1850
- Region
- West
