The Grizzly Bear California’s State Flag

Mike McPhate puts out some great writing, including historical pieces, at his news site called “The California Sun.” He made this piece available on Medium.

The idea of the strong and self-reliant grizzly bear became a cherished symbol, emblazoned on the state flag in what was said to be the likeness of Monarch. He too became a different kind of symbol: first of ego, then of suffering, and finally of a lost California.

The sad saga of the bear said to be depicted on California’s state flag by Mike McPhate