This is the site of the beginning of the conquest of California by the United States on June 10, 1846. American settlers led by Ezekial Merritt overpowered soldiers under Lt. Francisco Arce and took their Mexican Army horses from the corral of the Murphy Ranch on the north bank of the Cosumnes River. The “Bear Flag” action in Sonoma followed on June 14, 1846.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 680
Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in Cooperation with the California History Foundation of the College of the Pacific and the Stockton Corral of Westerners, October 17, 1959.