Valley of the Moon
Sonoma’s mission Solano is the northernmost in California,
only one built under Mexican rule, that newly won nation
having thrown off the yoke of Spanish tyranny, inspired by
the invincible Simon Bolivar, victorious in South America,
whose stout patriot warriors brought down the king’s army.
I’m touring a popular square in Sonoma, the original plaza
set in the Valley of the Moon’s breast where it once proved
in the wake of New World peoples that had gained liberty
ground zero for a rebellion, and California’s independence.
Colonel John C. Fremont, audacious as he was impetuous,
organized a bloodless coup in Sonoma. Thirty Americans
appeared at Mexican governor Vallejo’s home, demanded
he sign a document ceding them all of California. Vallejo,
aware that his forces were so poor he could put up little if
any resistance, complied. This how California like Texas
became unilaterally independent. Fremont seized control
and a bear flag raised at the plaza, that flag later officially
adopted by the state, its star and grizzly icons of freedom.