Archive of: History

Sonoma's first Fourth of July

Of all the Sonoma celebrations on Independence Day, the one held on July 4, 1846, was the first and most unusual.

Gerald Hill, Sonoma Index-Tribune Historian

Remember When Week of April 8, 2011

Tidbits of yesteryear

Sonoma once fought downtown fire with wine

Gerald Hill Index-Tribune Historian

Family threads: The longevity of the Eraldi family business

Deb Carlen

Bill Coblentz and Temelec Hall

By Gerald Hill INDEX-TRIBUNE HISTORIAN

The 'real' Bear Flag Story

Almost every Sonoman knows the story. Early in the morning on June 14, 1846, 163 years ago come next Monday, 33 (more or less) dusty riders came whooping their way to the Plaza.

Gerald Hill, Sonoma Index-Tribune Historian

Eccentric Dr. Edward Bale wins by losing

Dr. Edward Turner Bale made a splash upon arrival in Mexican California in 1837 as one of the few who made it to shore when the British sailing ship "H.M.S. Harriett" was wrecked on the rocks entering Monterey Bay.

By Gerald Hill INDEX-TRIBUNE HISTORIAN

Understanding Gov. Brown

As Gov. Brown enters office we take a look back in history

Gerald Hill Sonoma Index-Tribune historian

Brown's comeback: What makes him tick

Gerald Hill Sonoma Index-Tribune historian

Korematsu Day honors interned Americans

Gerald Hill Sonoma Index-Tribune historian