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Sonoma Barracks: Echoes of California's Past

Explore the pivotal Sonoma Barracks, where Mexican California transitioned to the Bear Flag Republic, offering a captivating glimpse into California's rich history and the spirit of revolution.

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The Sonoma Barracks, a two-story adobe building facing Sonoma's central plaza, stands as a tangible reminder of California's transition from Mexican territory to U.S. statehood. Built in the late 1830s to house Mexican soldiers under General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, it later became the headquarters of the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846. Today, as part of Sonoma State Historic Park, the Barracks offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of soldiers, the events of the Bear Flag Revolt, and the rich history of Sonoma. Explore exhibits, watch a documentary video, and step back in time within these historic walls. The Barracks Gift Store features a large selection of USA-made, Sonoma-branded items as well as books, educational toys, year-round Christmas ornaments, flags, magnets, stickers and postcards.

A brief summary to Sonoma Barracks

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekend to take advantage of the docent-led tours for a more in-depth understanding of the Barracks' history.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mission San Francisco Solano and General Vallejo's Home for a comprehensive exploration of Sonoma State Historic Park.
  • Take advantage of the free parking behind the Barracks to easily explore the Sonoma Plaza and surrounding attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Sonoma Plaza, the Sonoma Barracks is directly across the street on the northeast corner of the plaza. It's a very short walk, less than 5 minutes, from any point on the Plaza. No special transport or costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Sonoma County Transit Route 32, the Sonoma Shuttle, serves the Plaza. Alight at a Plaza stop. From there, the Sonoma Barracks is directly across the street on the northeast corner of the plaza. The Sonoma Shuttle is fare-free.

  • Driving

    If driving, free public parking is available in the Casa Grande lot located directly behind the Sonoma Barracks with an entrance off First St. East. From the parking lot, it's a short walk to the Barracks entrance facing the Sonoma Plaza.

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Discover more about Sonoma Barracks

The Sonoma Barracks, a stoic adobe structure overlooking the verdant Sonoma Plaza, whispers tales of Mexican soldiers, American revolutionaries, and the birth of a new state. Constructed between 1836 and 1841 under the direction of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, the Barracks served as the military headquarters for the northern frontier of Mexican California. Imagine the bustling activity within its walls as soldiers prepared for expeditions against local Native American tribes, or as Vallejo, a powerful figure in the region, conducted affairs of state. In 1846, the Barracks became the epicenter of the Bear Flag Revolt, a pivotal moment in California's history. A group of American settlers, seeking independence from Mexico, seized the town of Sonoma and raised their homemade Bear Flag over the plaza. For 23 days, the Barracks served as the headquarters of the self-proclaimed California Republic, a short-lived but significant chapter in the state's story. Visitors can almost hear the echoes of boisterous declarations and hurried preparations as they explore the exhibits detailing this event. Following the U.S. annexation of California, the Barracks transitioned into a U.S. military post, housing various companies of soldiers until 1852. The building then passed through several private hands, serving as a winery, store, law office, and private residence, each leaving its mark on the structure's evolving identity. In 1958, the State of California acquired the Barracks and began a meticulous restoration, returning it to its appearance during the tumultuous years of the Bear Flag Revolt. Today, the Sonoma Barracks stands as a key component of Sonoma State Historic Park, inviting visitors to delve into California's complex past. Step inside to explore exhibits showcasing the lives of the Mexican soldiers who once garrisoned the post, the dramatic events of the Bear Flag Revolt, and the subsequent period of transition leading to California's statehood. A documentary video provides further context, while knowledgeable docents offer guided tours on weekends, enriching the visitor experience with captivating stories and insights. The Barracks also houses a gift store featuring a curated selection of Sonoma-branded items, books, educational toys, and souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of history home with them. The Sonoma Barracks is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Beyond the Barracks itself, the surrounding Sonoma State Historic Park encompasses several other significant historical sites, including Mission San Francisco Solano, the northernmost of the California missions, and General Vallejo's home, Lachryma Montis. A single admission fee grants access to all three locations for the day, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves fully in Sonoma's rich heritage. The Sonoma Plaza, where the Barracks is located, is a vibrant hub of activity, surrounded by charming shops, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms. Take a stroll around the plaza, enjoy a picnic under the trees, and soak in the atmosphere of this historic town. Free parking is available behind the Barracks, making it easy to explore the area at your leisure. Visiting the Sonoma Barracks is more than just a history lesson; it's an opportunity to connect with the past, to imagine the lives of those who came before us, and to appreciate the complex forces that shaped California into the state it is today. Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a unique and engaging experience, the Sonoma Barracks offers a captivating journey through time.

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