1846 - 1846

05-13-1846 – Lt. John Charles Fremont, who has been surveying the West, is asked to “watch over U.S. interest in California”. By the time the message reaches Fremont, the U.S. Congress has already declared war on México.

06-14-1846 – The settlers (mostly Americans) declare California a Republic. The Bear Flag is hoisted over the town square of Sonoma, directly across from the former mission of San Francisco Solano. The Republic lasts less than a month.

07/17/1846 – American warships under the command of Commodore John. D. Sloat of the frigate USS Savannah, and two sloops, including the USS Cyane and the USS Levant, capture Monterey and claim California for the United States.