The Presidio of Sonoma was once very briefly the Capital of the California Republic. No, not the State of California. This was before California was part of the United States. California is one of four states that were independent sovereign nations before joining the United States and you get a bonus point if you can name all four. Answer below. The Sonoma Barracks aka the Presidio of Sonoma is free to visit and includes a number of rooms with captions and memorabilia that detail the history of the Bear Flag Republic of California, their independence from Mexico and eventually, their joining the Union. The breakaway state lasted from June 14 to July 9 1846, was never recognized by the United States, never formed a government or passed any laws and while Sonoma was the "Capital", it was never official. There are some docents who can answer questions, an organized tour is available and they have a small gift shop. (The answer to the question of which four states were independent. 1. California which you already know now. 2. The Long Star State, aka Texas, obviously. 3. Hawaii, of course. 4. And the one most people don't know? It's Vermont who were not one of the original Thirteen Colonies. Independent from 1777 to 1791 though never recognized by any other nations.) [Review 21010 overall - 527 in California - 1995 of 2023.] read more

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Love the history of this town! The Barricks were fun to roam through! It's all nestled around the square where there's lots of trees and Picnic Table's there's restaurants and stores highly recommend going to Sonoma read more

Sonoma Barracks Interpretive Center & Store - Bookstores Near Me - Sonoma, California

While sight-seeing in Sonoma, we decided to indulge in a bit of history. We walked into this place, which was once a barracks for infantry. It is two stories, but the store and museum displays are all on the first floor. The displays show the story of California history: from Mexican rule, to the push for California independence, to California joining the Union. The store is small, with souvenirs reminding you of your visit here. I'm not a souvenirs type of person, but it is a good option if you are. The second story accessed by walking up the old wooden steps on the back of the building, and you can walk through the building and toward the front, where a balcony awaits. The balcony provides a view of the plaza park. My favorite part about this place is the old cannon that sits on display. An nice and interesting stop in Sonoma, come check it out. read more

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Small old wood building which is full of history set up pretty well you take a stroll Through and look at a coupe of rooms that they have decorated as if it was back in the day They have a gift shop also we didn't stop in there but it did look quite interesting They have a nice outside ar a once you go through the building which you can walk around in the back and look at all the history from back in the day read more

You cannot afford to visit Mission Sonoma without visiting the Barracks. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=YNC9xYTxpzkdKTK-rGjIAw http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=4QYKhpgEVGdq_41bGg0a6Q And why is Sonoma Barracks a very important part of California history? Because it played a big role in California Bear Flag. Yes, Sonoma is the BIRTHPLACE OF THE CALIFORNIA BEAR FLAG and it was first raised in Sonoma. The original Bear Flag was made in the Sonoma Barracks on June 14 or 15, 1846. It was replaced by the Stars and Stripes on July 9, 1846. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=zQrT3Q_W4QDqz2TWnQgddg The Barracks was constructed of adobe and wood. It was built in stages and was completed in 1841.http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=_zKMqG3BccZff4Fn8CdauQ http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=NqSHX5FiSEbDrLwV5iqwIg The purpose of the Barracks was to house the Mexican soldiers who were sent by Mexican Commander Vallejo who was feeling theatened by the presence of the Russians in the nearby fort. Okay, enough of playing history teacher although I love history. You can read about it yourself. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=tsoozWqMVlyRY9F-UGSvdQ Sonoma Barracks is small but packed with information and historical artifacts including canyons, guns and saddles. Think "Wild Wild West." http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=zOk3CHeDSDO6fitwwsWvlg http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=ypbm4djjMD2ZgHxyUNYcww http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=8UEG7n27XU5ro1PbITp2CA A theatre also plays documentaries about the this era. A whole section is dedicated to show how the Mexican soldiers lived in the 1840s with their bunk beds, utensils, claypots, etc. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=evJa199dkDfW5WKiQYZTqA For a mere $3 entrance fee per person which will also give you access to Mission Sonoma, you will witness an awesome part of American history. MUST VISIT IN SONOMA! read more

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Stopped on our way through town and was very impressed by how well kept the property is. Very important part of history is outlined in the many rooms. Staff in the store were friendly and pleasant. read more

It is free. There is a film here helped me learned more about the history. The first california flag was made here at the Barracks. That one was destroyed in the San Francisco earthquake and fire in 1906. This is a copy made before the fire. I also learn about the 7 flags of California from the data that I got from visitor center. read more

Sonoma Barracks Interpretive Center & Store - The first california flag was made here at the Barracks. That one was destroyed in the San Francisco fire. This is a copy. - Bookstores Near Me - Sonoma, California

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The Sonoma Barracks are a fascinating piece of history. Despite its smallness, they served as Northern California's presidio. There is a copy of the original Bear Flag, that was made by the nephew of Abraham Lincoln. One can also learn that the Bear Flag Republic lasted only 22 days- but people still consider California its own country. John C. Fremont, Kit Carson, and Stephen Watts Kearny, who all played important roles in New Mexican history (Fremont raised the American flag at the Santa Fe Plaza;Carson lived in Taos), were also vital to the history of Sonoma/Northern California. The New Mexico/California connection is so deep that at the gift shop, one can get the Red or Green? New Mexican cookbook. Yes, the adobe is THAT trippy. One can also get a Russian Imperial flag at the gift shop, since Gen. Vallejo built the barracks and established the Sonoma mission to hold the Spanish/Mexican tide against the Russian outpost of Fort Ross. The historical displays are interesting;they recreate a soldier's room, and even on a fairly warm day, there's a chill to it. The admission is a wonderfully affordable $3;one can also donate to the California state parks. It's fun and educational! read more

Bought cute little trinkets here. Expensive but that's to be expected. The sales guy at the register was a well of knowledge! read more

Sonoma Barracks Interpretive Center & Store - Bookstores Near Me - Sonoma, California

Here's another winner for kids. For me it isn't as exciting as the hotel and General Vallejo's House, but the kids loved seeing the arms and artifacts and climbing on the wagon in the courtyard. Another historical landmark located at the Sonoma Square. read more

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We had so much fun here. We Love history and the authenticity of the the exhibits here. They also had a movie going about all the historical significance of the location and its contents. The gift shop had lots and lots of unique and interesting things to buy. The clerk was super nice. Really enjoyed the experience read more

Sonoma Barracks Interpretive Center & Store - Enjoying history - Bookstores Near Me - Sonoma, California

Part Two- This is a must visit spot for every Californian or anyone interested in California or US history. This is the spot where the Bear Flag Revolt happened in 1846. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_Flag_Republic I was particularly fond of this place because I liked the displays about the Soldiers and the saddles. The Soldiers in those days used muzzle loading firearms. You take one shot and have to reload while under fire. Those guys had some serious nerve and I totally respect them for that. When I look at the old pictures of people from that era I always try to imagine what they went through. A lesson I learned is that the early Mexican cowboys used single rigged saddles which was kind of a revelation for me as I aways thought of double rigs for working cows. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Saddles#Rigging This place is a "Must see" because it is such an important part of our history. read more

Patrick is the most pleasant shop owner. He is the most pleasant owner I've met. He will answer all of your questions and point you in the right direction. He is friendly and personable and he has a great personality. read more

This was an interesting place. There are a couple of exhibits located near the entrance as well as a video. The man working in the store was very funny and very nice. There is a lot of California History that took place with in those walls and it is a must see. read more

This is a nice place to learn about early California history, including the creation of California Flag. The same admission price will also get you in to the nearby Mission building and also General Vallejo's home. Read more/check out some photos here: http://blog.compasstales.com/2012/08/07/sonoma/ read more

So many reasons to go to Sonoma Square any time of year. A nice surprise is the cozy Barracks Center and store. unusual gifts and in variety of price and content. collectibles for all ages. historical items galore. Tees and hats. Always glad I shopped. read more