Podcast
California Frontier
Hosted by Damian Bacich, Ph.D. · EN
Prof. Damian Bacich shares the history you didn't learn in school. Each episode is a deep dive into the fascinating early history of California and the West. Listen to stories and interviews with scholars, experts, and people who are passionate about a time when California was the frontier of empire and imagination.
28episodes
Episodes
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096: San Francisco Presidio with Archaeologist Kari Jones and Historian Rob Thomson Part 2
1w ago00:34:53Tap to summarizeThe story of the Presidio didn't end with Spain or Mexico—it was only beginning.In the second half of my conversation with Rob Thomson, Federal Preservation Officer, and Kari Jones, archaeologist with the Presidio Trust, we explore the remarkable transformation of the Presidio of San Francisco from a remote Mexican frontier outpost into one of the most important military installations on the West Coast—and ultimately into one of America's most innovative national parks.We discuss how the U.S. Army reshaped the Presidio after 1846, introducing new architecture, forests, hospitals, airfields, and coastal defenses that reflected changing military priorities from the Civil War through the Cold War. We also examine Fort Point, Castillo de San Joaquín, the evolution of military technology, and the Presidio's role in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to World War II.The conversation concludes with the extraordinary story of how the Presidio escaped the fate of many former military bases. Rather than falling into disrepair, it became a model for historic preservation through the creation of the Presidio Trust, whose innovative self-supporting approach has preserved hundreds of historic buildings while creating one of the nation's most vibrant urban parks.Whether you're interested in California history, military history, architecture, archaeology, or the preservation of historic places, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the most important historic landscapes in the United States.If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help more people discover the rich and often overlooked history of California.Learn about the Presidio Trust00:00 – The Presidio's Transition to American Control02:55 – What the Presidio Looked Like in 184805:35 – Spanish Revival Architecture and the World's Fair07:15 – Castillo de San Joaquín and the Defense of San Francisco Bay11:55 – Fort Point and America's New Coastal Fortress13:30 – The Presidio's Growth as a Major U.S. Army Base17:30 – The Presidio in the Civil War, World Wars, and Cold War21:00 – From Military Base to National Park25:15 – Historic Buildings, Adaptive Reuse, and the Presidio Today28:05 – Famous People, Defining Moments, and Why the Presidio MattersSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →095: San Francisco Presidio with Archaeologist Kari Jones and Historian Rob Thomson Part 1
2w ago00:32:05Tap to summarizeHow did a lonely Spanish outpost become one of America's most remarkable historic places?In this episode, I sit down with Rob Thomson, Federal Preservation Officer, and Kari Jones, Chief Archaeologist with the Presidio Trust, to explore the fascinating history of the Presidio of San Francisco—from its founding by Spain in 1776 to its role as the northernmost military outpost in Alta California.Our conversation examines why the Spanish chose this strategic location, what daily life was like for soldiers and settlers on California's frontier, and how archaeology is helping us better understand the people who lived and worked there. We also discuss the Yelamu and other Indigenous communities whose homeland became the Presidio, the challenges of building a fort on San Francisco's windswept dunes, the impact of the 1812 earthquakes, relations with Russian Fort Ross, and the transition from Spanish to Mexican California.Along the way, you'll hear remarkable stories about El Polín Spring, the reconstruction of the Presidio, the surviving adobe buildings and how archaeological discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of early California.Whether you're passionate about California history, archaeology, the Spanish colonial period, or San Francisco itself, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for one of the state's most significant historic sites.00:17 Introduction to the Presidio of San Francisco00:26 Commemorating 250 Years of History01:51 Exploring the Significance of the Presidio05:09 Understanding the Presidio's Historical Significance08:05 Life at the Presidio: Early Years and Challenges10:51 The Impact of Mexican Independence on the Presidio14:00 Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Insights17:04 The Evolution of the Presidio: From Spanish to American Control31:04 New chapterSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →094: The Wine Tasting That Put California on the Map with Kevin Ferguson, Part 2.
Jun 2600:34:31Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of this conversation, Damian Bacich talks with wine historian Kevin Ferguson, descendant of the Gemello Winery family, about the dramatic rise of California wine, the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris, and the family stories that connect Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, and Italian immigrant winemakers. They also explore how Prohibition, entrepreneurship, and even Bank of America played unexpected roles in California's wine history. Whether you're interested in California history, wine, or remarkable family stories, this episode offers a fascinating look behind one of the state's greatest success stories.Kevin's Substack: https://gemello.substack.com/Chapters00:00 – A French judge mistakes Napa wine for French00:49 – California wine's low point in the 1960s03:41 – From 350 wineries to nearly 4,80004:11 – The Gemello family's survival and real estate strategy08:11 – California wines before the Judgment of Paris10:04 – How the Judgment of Paris came together14:44 – The shocking tasting results that changed history15:46 – How the victory inspired a new generation of winemakers22:26 – Steven Spurrier's remarkable wine shop story26:06 – Why the Judgment of Paris became California's great underdog story27:52 – Italian immigrants, Bank of America, and California agriculture31:46 – Final reflections and Kevin Ferguson's upcoming bookSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →093: The Wine Tasting That Put California on the Map with Kevin Ferguson, Part 1.
Jun 1800:37:52Tap to summarizeIn the first part of my conversation with author Kevin Ferguson, we explore the rich history of California wine, tracing its roots from Italian immigrants through the challenges of Prohibition to the pivotal Judgment of Paris in 1976. Kevin delves into his family's legacy, highlighting how early 20th-century winemakers navigated legal loopholes and economic shifts to establish California as a leading wine region. This episode provides insights into the evolution of winemaking practices, the influence of figures like Paul Masson, and the resilience required to thrive in a changing industry. Join us to understand the historical context and enduring impact of these developments on the global wine landscape.00:00 - Introduction.00:31 - California's wine history.01:32 - Judgment of Paris explained.02:18 - Kevin's family background.03:40 - Early winemaking challenges.05:52 - Paul Masson's influence.10:09 - Settling in California.15:12 - Impact of Prohibition.18:36 - Loopholes in the law.28:34 - Repeal and resurgence of wineries.Kevin's Substack: https://gemello.substack.com/Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →092: Black Pioneers of Spanish California with Dr. Cameron Jones Part 2
May 2800:35:51Tap to summarizeIn part 2 of our interview, we explore the transformative period of US occupation and the subsequent transition to statehood, focusing on the California Constitution drafted in 1849 and ratified in 1850. Dr. Jones provides a deep dive into the cultural and social dynamics of the time, highlighting the contributions and challenges faced by these pioneering communities.We discuss the development of africancalifornios.org, a dedicated platform aimed at preserving and sharing this rich heritage. The conversation also uncovers the intriguing story behind California's name, believed to be inspired by an African queen, Califia, from a historical novel. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the diverse influences that have shaped California's history.To learn more: https://www.africancalifornios.org/home00:10 Introduction to the Interview 01:12 US Occupation and Statehood 02:47 California Constitution 05:30 Cultural and Social Dynamics 10:30 Project Development: africancalifornios.org 33:52 California's Name Origin Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →091: Black Pioneers of Spanish California with Dr. Cameron Jones Part 1
May 1200:27:47Tap to summarizeHistorian Cameron Jones joins Damian Bacich for a fascinating conversation about the overlooked African presence in early California. Drawing on mission records, census data, and genealogical research, Jones explores how people of African descent—many arriving from Mexico as soldiers, settlers, and ranchers—helped shape California during the Spanish and Mexican periods.The discussion traces the stories of prominent Californio families such as the Picos, the multicultural origins of Los Angeles, and the complex racial realities of life in frontier California. Jones also explains his groundbreaking digital humanities project, AfricanCalifornios.org, which uses historical records and data science to reconstruct the lives and networks of African-descended Californios.Far from reducing California history to simple categories, this interview reveals a past that was deeply diverse, interconnected, and often misunderstood. It’s an essential conversation for anyone interested in California history, the Spanish Borderlands, genealogy, race and identity, or the hidden stories behind the American West.Topics discussed include:* African-descended Californios and the Spanish missions* The founding families of Los Angeles* Pío Pico and the Pico dynasty* Race, class, and identity in Spanish and Mexican California* The transition from Mexican to U.S. ru* California genealogy and historical memory* The AfricanCalifornios.org projectTo learn more: https://www.africancalifornios.org/home0:00 Intro0:23 Show Introduction0:48 About Dr. Cameron Jones & African Californios3:26 How Cameron Got Into This Research7:44 The 1813 Questionnaire: Discovery of African Descent in California10:20 Notable Californio Families of African Descent14:26 The Founders of Los AngelesSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →090: The Mission Walker Part 2 with author Edie Littlefield Sundby
Mar 2600:48:05Tap to summarizeIn the second half of this interview with Edie Littlefield Sundby (The Mission Walker), she explains why she extended the California Mission Trail beyond San Diego and retraced the original mission route from Loreto, Baja California, to the U.S. border in 2015, after her cancer returned and she was treated with radiation. Guided by Harry Crosby’s maps and aided by (previous guest) Trudi Angell and local vaqueros, she walked nearly 1,000 GPS miles through roadless desert sierras with pack mules, scarce water, and minimal supplies, encountering both extraordinary hospitality on remote ranchos and increasing danger from narcos and drug routes in northern Baja. Edie contrasts the wild Jesuit trail with the more accessible Franciscan route in California, reflects on gratitude, trust, and spiritual pilgrimage, discusses the missions’ enduring “spirit” even in ruins, and closes with thoughts on history’s complexity and the California Mission Trail as a pilgrimage people can complete in segments.Purchase The Mission WalkerChapters00:00 Why Baja Matters01:21 Transcendence Then Relapse03:28 Discovering Loreto Origins05:20 Planning With Trudy06:41 Keeping It Quiet07:59 Jesuit Trail Realities09:54 Launching From Loreto10:25 Vaqueros And Survival13:23 Rancho Hospitality Story16:11 Living History On Ranchos18:07 Timing The Desert Walk19:23 Loreto Mission And Spirit21:07 Jesuit Trail Highlights23:04 Narcos on the Trail24:23 Vaquero Protection26:31 Respect and Trust28:08 Desert Hunger Lessons29:11 Water Survival System30:16 Cactus and Gear32:14 Shrines and Gratitude33:19 Finishing the Journey36:33 Drug Roads Reality37:59 History Beyond Myths40:31 Trust Over Fear41:44 California Camino Dream42:44 Walking in Segments43:52 Next Big Adventures44:55 Books and Farewell46:57 Support the ShowSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →089: The Mission Walker with author Edie Littlefield Sundby Part 1
Mar 1900:42:39Tap to summarizeToday's guest is Edie Littlefield Sundby, author of the memoir The Mission Walker, about becoming the first person to walk the full Camino Real of both Californias while living with stage four cancer. In Part 1, Edie recounts being initially denied treatment, finding aggressive care at Stanford, surviving extensive surgeries and chemotherapy, and using walking to purge toxicity and rebuild her body and spirit. She also describes her first mission journey, walking from San Diego to Sonoma in 55 days by following mission bells and a hiker’s guide, as well as the hospitality of Franciscan missions.Chapters:00:00 California Mission Trail Intro00:40 Meet Edie Littlefield Sun02:40 Stage Four Cancer Turning Point04:54 Walking as Medicine and Pilgrimage08:13 Mission Bells and First Trail Walk10:48 Chemo Walks and Healing Mindset15:56 Follow the Bells Decision18:14 Planning the 800 Mile Walk21:18 Trail Logistics and One Lung24:03 No Shortcuts Long Walk Lessons27:04 Maps Over GPS Ground Truth30:03 55 Days Mission to Mission32:50 Mindfulness Outside the Head34:56 Santa Susanna Pass Breakthrough39:29 How the Trail Defines CaliforniaSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →088: The Portolá Expedition and the Discovery of the San Francisco Bay
Feb 2600:27:55Tap to summarizeIn 1769, Spain feared it was about to lose the Pacific coast. Russian traders were moving south from Alaska, British naval power was rising, and Spain had no permanent settlements north of Baja California. In response, imperial officials launched a land-and-sea operation known as the Sacred Expedition — a march that would found San Diego, search for the lost harbor of Monterey, and lead a small overland party to the first recorded European sighting of San Francisco Bay.The Portolá Expedition (1769–1770) was the first Spanish overland exploration of coastal Alta California, organized to secure Spain’s claim against rival empires. Led by Gaspar de Portolá and supported by Fr. Junípero Serra and José de Gálvez, the expedition established San Diego, attempted to locate Monterey Bay, and instead made the first documented European discovery of San Francisco Bay. These journeys laid the foundation for Spain’s missions and presidios in California.0:00 -- Introduction0:32 — Why Spain Moved into Alta California (Manila Galleon & Empire Strategy)3:10 — Russian Expansion Threatens Spanish California6:30 — José de Gálvez’s Plan: Missions and Presidios in Alta California9:40 — The 1769 Portolá Expedition Begins13:10 — Founding San Diego: First Mission and Presidio16:40 — Why the Expedition Missed Monterey19:50 — The European “Discovery” of San Francisco Bay (1769)22:40 — The Return South and Near Failure24:30 — 1770: Founding Monterey and Securing Spanish CaliforniaReferences: Herbert Eugene Bolton, Fray Juan Crespi, Missionary Explorer on the Pacific Coast, 1769-1774Phil Brigandi and Eric Plunkett, The Portolá Expedition in Orange CountyHarry W. Crosby, Gateway to Alta California: The Expedition to San Diego, 1769Iris Engstrand and Donald Cutter, Quest for Empire: Spanish Settlement in the SouthwestIris Engstrand, “The Occupation of the Port of San Diego de Alcalá, 1769.”Robert Kirsch and William S. Murphy, West of the West. Witnesses to the California Experience, 1542-1906.Richard Pourade, The History of San Diego: Vol. II: The Explorers, 1492-1774.Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →087: Exploring Baja California with Author David Kier Part 2
Feb 1000:33:03Tap to summarizeIn part two of this interview, Damian Bacich continues his conversation with David Kier, who shares stories from his travels to the Baja California missions and explains some of the legends people tell about “lost missions” and hidden treasures. David describes what the missions look like today—some are still standing and even used for church services, while others are in ruins because of weather and time. He also talks about other historians and writers who inspired his work and gives helpful advice for people who want to visit Baja California, including tips about safety, transportation, insurance, and travel documents. David encourages listeners to see Baja California as an important part of California’s history and to appreciate its culture, landscapes, and historic landmarks.Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
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