Golden Era, Sacramento, 1849

News traveled slowly in the mid-1800s. From 1846-1847, the United States was at war with Mexico. When word finally reached Sacramento in 1849, citizens – like those depicted here in this street scene – raised both American and California “Bear” flags as symbols of independence and, hopefully, protection.

The “Bear” flag represented the republic of California, which, at this time, was neither part of Mexico nor the United States. After the war with Mexico, California became American property; it would be established as a state later in 1850.

Other California news spread a bit faster. The discovery of gold in 1848 would soon bring hundreds of thousands to the area. In this painting, a miner, with full loads on horse and mule, prepares to seek out his fortune in the surrounding hills.