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The Republic of Sonora was a federal republic with two states (Baja California and Sonora).

[edit] The Republic of Sonora

On October 16, 1853 with 48 men, filibuster William Walker sailed out from San Francisco on his first filibustering expedition: the conquest of the Mexican territories of Baja California and Sonora. He financed the effort by selling scrip in exchange for promises of land in Sonora. Three weeks later, Walker took control of La Paz, the capital of the sparsely populated Baja California, and 200 more men joined him. Walker declared La Paz the capital of a new Republic of Lower California, with himself as president and a constitution copied from that of Louisiana.

Fearful of attacks by Mexico, Walker moved his position twice over the next three months, first to Cabo San Lucas, and then further north to Ensenada, Baja California. Here he abolished the "Republic of Lower California", instead pronouncing Baja California part of the larger Republic of Sonora. The declaration of independence from Mexico was written on January 10, 1854. The Republic of Sonora was to consist of the Baja California Peninsula and the state of Sonora. Walker himself was to be president; his partner, Watkins, vice-president; and Emory, secretary of state.

Walker's exploits generated large amounts of interest back in San Francisco, where bonds for the Republic of Sonora were sold and its flag was even raised in places. However, Walker was never able to take advantage of his project's popularity. A serious lack of supplies, discontent within his party and an unexpectedly strong resistance by the Mexican government quickly forced Walker to retreat.

Back in California, Walker was put on trial for conducting an illegal war. However, it was the era of Manifest Destiny and consequently his filibustering project was popular in the southern and western United States. The jury took eight minutes to acquit him.

[edit] See also

• Historical outline of Arizona
• Sonora
• Gadsden Purchase
• Arizona Territory (Confederate States of America)
• Traditional Arizona
• Golden Circle (slavery)

[edit] External links

• San Francisco Museum
• Flags of the World

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