What was the original California state flag suppose to depict, and why was this changed?

SOTHC

The first flag of California CA 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 original California state flag was kept in San Francisco until it was destroyed in an earthquake. The California design has remained basically the same throughout the years. http://www.flag-works.com/California%20State.htm Feb 23 05, 10:03 AM

MrsAce

The original flag was suppose to depict a bear, when raised it looked like a pig. The original Bear Flag, held by the Society of California Pioneers perished in the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906. http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flags/ca_flag.htm Feb 23 05, 10:05 AM

dejavucub4

Bieng a former Californian they should dump the grizzly as they are are extinct there now. Feb 23 05, 11:27 AM

Buck540

Actually, the original California state flag was suppose to depict a PEAR but the flag's designer misread the instruction and drew a bear... http://www.snopes.com/lost/bearflag.asp Feb 23 05, 11:41 AM