William B. Ide

William Brown Ide (1796 - 1852) was a California pioneer and U.S. political figure. Born on March 28, 1796 in Massachusetts, William B. Ide, a carpenter by trade, eventually found his way westward to the then-Mexican frontier land of California. In the winter of 1846, hearing that the Mexican government was planning to oust American settlers, Ide joined with John C. Fremont and others in what was to be called the Bear Flag Revolt. Upon successfully taking the pueblo of Sonoma and capturing the Mexican Commandante of Northern California, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo (who supported the revolt), the group raised a new flag declaring a new country to be called the California Republic. Ide was chosen to serve as president. His "term" lasted for 25 days, when it was learned that the U.S. had declared war on Mexico. Ide and the other "Bear Flaggers" joined with the U.S. forces in taking California from the Mexicans.

After the War, Ide returned to his home near Red Bluff where he was successful in exploiting the mineral wealth of the region. Ide died in December, 1852.

A State Historic Park comprised of a restored adobe house and other buildings near Red Bluff commemorates William B. Ide.