A Japanese submarine attacking Santa Barbara, the 25-day Bear Flag Republic, and a Gold Rush triggered by just 12 ounces.
The Detail That Changes Everything
California’s state flag features the grizzly bear, which has been extinct in the state since the 1920s
Historical Context
This story spans 1848-1940s and is centered in California. Understanding the broader historical context is essential to grasping why events unfolded as they did.
Key Figures
The central figures in this story include James Marshall. Each played a distinct role in the events documented in this episode.
What This Documentary Covers
- The 1928 St. Francis Dam disaster that reversed the Los Angeles River
- Why California’s state flag features an animal extinct since the 1920s
- The night a Japanese submarine attacked Santa Barbara in 1942
- How 12 ounces of gold flakes triggered the entire California Gold Rush
- The Hollywood sign originally said something completely different
Themes Explored
This episode examines interconnected themes including Gold Rush, dam disaster, World War II, Hollywood, extinction. These themes recur across multiple episodes in our documentary collection, revealing patterns that connect seemingly unrelated stories.
Watch the Full Documentary
This companion article provides context and background for the full documentary. For the complete story with narration, original music, and archival imagery, watch the episode above or on YouTube.
