Description
In 1835 the Mexican government, which had succeeded Spanish rule, sent Lt. Mariano G. Vallejo to Sonoma to establish a military post, to deter the Russians at Fort Ross from encroaching farther south, to oversee the secularization of the mission, and to lay out the pueblo of Sonoma. In the center of Sonoma is an eight acre plaza laid out by Vallejo. Nearby, Vallejo constructed barracks for his troops and an adjoining multi-storied Casa Grande. Immediately surrounding the Plaza were a number of historic structures, including the Mission, Vallejo's barracks, the homes of several dignitaries, including Colonel Joe Hooker, the Union Hotel and Green's Courthouse.
Mexican rule ended here in 1846, when local settlers raided the military post, taking Vallejo prisoner. They proclaimed the independence of California with the raising of the Bear Flag over the Sonoma Plaza. The residence of Gen. Vallejo was demolished in 1856, and an elegant hotel erected on the spot. By 1864, the town of Sonoma had 500 inhabitants.
Land Cases
Land Case 423 ND . City of Sonoma (Claimant) Grantee: Mariano G. Vallejo Associated Case Numbers: Docket 237, 423 ND, GLO 68 Also known as: Sonoma Pueblo Lands Rancho Name: Rancho Huichica (Calif.)
Mission Sonoma
Land Case 425 ND . Northern District Missions: ..., Mission Sonoma . Bishop Joseph S. Alemany (Claimant) Associated Case Numbers:Docket 609, 425 ND, 388 SD, GLO 161, GLO 448, GLO 43, GLO 188, GLO 70 Also known as: Mission San Francisco Solano
