Reynolds & Proctor, 1898 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 Sonoma Plaza 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 during what is called the Bear Flag Revolt. 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 a hotel erected on the spot.
By 1864, the town of Sonoma had 500 inhabitants.
We have links to these places in the city:
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The Sonoma Barracks
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The Blue Wing Inn
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Vallejo's Casa Grande, and Vallejo's home Lachryma Montis.
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http://users.ap.net/~chenae/socotown.html
