Sonoma Barracks Interpretive Center & Store

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

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.

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.

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:

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!

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.

You cannot afford to visit Mission Sonoma without visiting the Barracks.


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.
The Barracks was constructed of adobe and wood. It was built in stages and was completed in 1841. www.yelp.com/biz_photos/QBrm0ODOSOi5­Zjp9Sk9aAA?select=_zKMqG3BccZff4Fn8CdauQ
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.
Sonoma Barracks is small but packed with information and historical artifacts including canyons, guns and saddles. Think «Wild Wild West.»


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.
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!

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.

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.
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.
This place is a «Must see» because it is such an important part of our history.