Native Tribes
Sonoma County’s first inhabitants, the Pomo, Miwok, and Wappo tribes, exemplified a harmonious way of life deeply connected to nature. Historical accounts portray these indigenous societies as peaceful, thriving thanks to an abundance of resources, including fruits, fish, and wildlife. With mild winters and no financial burdens, they enjoyed ample free time for recreation, socializing, spiritual practices, and artistic pursuits.
For instance, the Pomo Indians were renowned for their exquisite baskets, crafted for various purposes. Not only functional, these baskets showcased extraordinary artistry. Indeed, Pomo baskets are highly sought after, with impressive collections found in institutions like the Smithsonian and the Kremlin. The Jesse Peter Museum at Santa Rosa Junior College features a fine selection, and the Mendocino County Museum in Willits displays works by Elsie Allen, a prominent Pomo educator and artist from the early to mid-1900s. The Elsie Allen High School in southwest Santa Rosa honors her legacy.
The First European Settlers
While some believe that Sir Francis Drake made landfall in Bodega Bay in 1577, the exact location of his landing remains ambiguous and debated. However, the first permanent non-native settlement in Sonoma County was established by Russian trappers, not the English or Spanish.
In pursuit of otter pelts, Russian trappers moved south after depleting the populations in Alaska. In 1812, they founded Fort Ross near Bodega Bay, naming it after the old Russian term for “Russia.” (Fort Ross is now a California State Park.)
The Spanish, who were claiming land through missions along the California coast, were not pleased with the Russian presence. This prompted them to hasten their expeditions beyond San Francisco, establishing new missions to stake their claim. Father Jose Altimira, a zealous priest at Mission San Francisco, identified Sonoma Valley as an ideal site for a new mission.
The Francisco Solano Mission, commonly termed the Sonoma Mission, was established in what became the town of Sonoma. This mission became notable as the last built under Mexican rule, constructed after Mexico separated from Spain. The Spanish and Mexican influences are evident in the naming of towns along the coast, culminating with Santa Rosa.
Interestingly, rather than perceiving the Sonoma Mission as a threat, the Russians embraced the occasion, even attending its dedication with gifts of altar cloths, candlesticks, and a bell.
The growth of the mission was curtailed in the 1830s when the Mexican government decided to abolish the mission system. General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo was appointed in 1835 to oversee the secularization and settlement of the region, affirming Mexican sovereignty and restricting Russian expansion.
General Vallejo
The land was divided among various individuals, many of whom were relatives of Vallejo. His mother-in-law, Dona Maria Carrillo, established the Carrillo Adobe, marking the first European homestead in the Santa Rosa Valley. The local high school in northeast Santa Rosa bears her name.
Captain John Rogers Cooper, who wedded Vallejo’s sister, acquired El Molino Rancho in present-day Forestville, where he built California’s first power sawmill. The name “Molino” translates to “mill” in Spanish, which also inspired the name of the local high school.
Many land grants extended beyond Vallejo’s personal connections; he even persuaded Anglo settlers to develop ranches near Fort Ross, thereby confining the Russian presence.
Fort Ross is now managed by State Parks, which celebrates Cultural Heritage Day annually, featuring reenactments that illustrate the dynamics between the Mexicans and Russians in the 1830s.
Following the depletion of the otter population, the Russians eventually returned to their homeland. Notably, some brought back Native American brides and children, contributing to cultural exchanges. This historical flow of baskets from the Pomo tribe eventually found their way to institutions like the Kremlin.
The Bear Flag Revolt
The influx of American settlers led to escalating tensions between them and the Californio residents who perceived their land as being invaded. Vallejo expressed concern, noting the overwhelming wave of North American immigration. By summer 1846, rumors intensified regarding possible displacement orders from Mexico concerning American settlers.
A group of settlers, determined to confront Vallejo, surrounded his Sonoma home. After several hours, a member of their group, Ezekiel Merritt, entered to discuss terms but failed to return. Another member also disappeared upon entering, leading to William Ide’s investigation. He later recounted how General Vallejo had hosted them with brandy, leading to an unexpected turn of events.
Consequently, Vallejo and several family members were taken hostage to Sacramento, where they remained for several months.
Meanwhile, the pioneers declared a new republic, designing a flag adorned with the words “California Republic” and a picture of a grizzly bear. Some observers commented humorously on its resemblance to a pig. Interestingly, the flag’s design was credited to a relative of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Lincoln.
Pioneer John Bidwell documented the unfolding events of the Bear Flag Revolt, stating: “Among the men who remained to hold Sonoma was William B. Ide… Native Californians looking up at it were heard to say ‘Coche,’ the common name among them for pig or shoat.”
For 22 days, the bear flag proudly waved over Sonoma as settlers asserted California’s independence. However, as the dispute escalated into the broader Mexican-American War, Mexico ultimately lost, leading to California’s cession to the United States.
Though the original bear flag was lost to the flames following the Great Earthquake of 1906, its legacy endures as the state adopted the bear image for its flag.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Sonoma County History.
