William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park

Annual Events: Adobe Day, the 3rd Saturday in August includes hands-on pioneer crafts and period activities. Ide's Ferry Champion Horseshoe Pitchers Contest on the Second Saturday in October. It represents a period-style 1850s contest, complete with authentic attire. Pioneer Christmas Party on the third Saturday in December emphasizes early holiday traditions of the north valley.

RED BLUFF, CALIF.-- Located within the Shasta Cascade region of California is a state park that winds back the clock to around 1852 when William B. Ide led a revolt with the Bear Flag. What in the world is that?

In 1845 rumor spread that the Mexican government planned to evict illegal American settlers, and the next year another rumor spread that Mexican military force was on its way, destroying crops, burning houses and driving away cattle.

On June 14, 1846 William Ide was among 30 guys concerned residents who marched on the town of Sonoma. They were coined, the "Bear Flaggers". Sonoma and its leading citizen, General Mariano G. Vallejo, were taken without incident. The Bear Flaggers selected Ide as their commander and he drafted a proclamation declaring the newly formed California Republic, which lasted only 22 days. That's when Navy Commodore John D. Sloat raised the American flag at Monterey.

In remembrance of the event, an 1852 adobe which was (mistakenly believed to be owned by William B. Ide at one time) was declared a State Historic Park.

In 1846 William B. Ide wrote the proclamation that established the short-lived California Bear Flag Republic, which lasted 22 days. Ide recognized the opportunities available to him in the West. As a surveyor, miner, treasurer, district attorney, deputy clerk, and judge, he provided support and leadership to this northern part of California.

While William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park memorializes Ide's role in early California, historic research has shown he never owned this property, but rather had built a home south of present-day Red Bluff. Like Ide, early settlers here at Bluffton Ranch (also called Adobe Ranch) came to California envisioning new opportunities. Facing a hardscrabble existence and taking risks, they used their pioneer skills to transform the land.

Visitors to the state historic park can learn about predecessors (native Americans) and development of California through today. Guests are free to picnic and roam the grounds or stop by the Visitors Center when it is open.