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.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
091: Black Pioneers of Spanish California with Dr. Cameron Jones Part 1
1w ago00:27:47Tap 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 projectVisit: www.AfricanCalifornios.org to 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
Transcribe →086: The Missions of Baja California with Author David Kier Part 1
Feb 300:35:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Damian Bacich talks with David Kier about his lifelong interest in Baja California and its missions. Kier explains how family trips he took as a child sparked a passion that later led him to make maps, write guidebooks, and become an expert on mission history. He describes when and why the Jesuit, Franciscan, and Dominican missions were founded in Baja California between 1697 and 1849, clears up myths about “lost missions,” and explains how disease and Spanish colonization affected Native peoples. The episode also looks at how the name “California” originally referred to Baja California before spreading north, how control of the region changed from Spain to Mexico, and why Kier believes it is important to study history carefully while staying open to new discoveries.Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →085: A Gold Rush Family Saga with author Craig S. Harwood
Nov 2000:58:12Tap to summarizeToday, I'm honored to speak with Craig S. Harwood, author of Bridget's Gambit, a captivating saga of family enterprise during the California Gold Rush. This really interesting book, coming out soon, tells a fascinating story of early California and its impact on American history. Craig shares insights about the gold mining and gold hunting in the region, his personal connection to the narrative, and what he discovered while writing this important piece of history.We explore the life of Bridget Evoy, a remarkable figure in California's Gold Rush history. The discussion highlights Bridget's leadership and resilience, as well as the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society during the Victorian era. We also cover Bridget's role in the development of the city of Oakland during the Gold Rush era, her resilience in the face of personal tragedy, her family's legacy, and the impact of their Catholic faith. The conversation also highlights the challenges and triumphs of women during this period, the writing process behind documenting Bridget's story, and the misconceptions surrounding women's roles in the Gold Rush. Craig also shares insights from his research and the importance of storytelling in preserving history.Pre-order Bridget's Gambit todayChapters00:00 Introduction to California History and Bridget's Gambit03:00 The Author's Background and Connection to Bridget05:51 Bridget Evoy's Early Life in Ireland08:40 Bridget's Journey to America and Challenges Faced11:41 The Gold Rush Catalyst and Family Decisions14:41 The Overland Journey and Leadership in Crisis18:54 Exploiting Opportunities During the Gold Rush22:11 The Family's Strategic Business Moves25:40 Navigating Dangers in a Male-Dominated Society31:52 Facing Tragedy with Resilience35:12 Legacy of Tenacity and Business Acumen38:30 Faith and Philanthropy in the Family42:08 Researching the Past: A Detective Story42:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication43:33 Crafting a Compelling NarrativeSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →084: San Diego's Lost City with Author Richard Carrico Part 2
Nov 600:44:14Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of my interview with archaeologist Richard Carrico, our conversation delves into the significant archaeological findings at the Presidio, revealing insights into its history, architecture, and the lives of its inhabitants. Richard comments on the culinary practices of the time, leisure activities, and the transition from the Presidio to Old Town San Diego. The discussion also covers crime and punishment within the Presidio, the legal rights of Native Americans, and the broader implications of these historical narratives for contemporary readers.Purchase Richard's book: El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work01:08 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological Insights07:33 Culinary Traditions at the Presidio09:28 Authentic Culinary Traditions12:09 Leisure and Games in Historical Context15:43 The Evolution of Old Town21:00 Crime and Punishment at the Presidio32:53 Understanding the Reader's PerspectiveSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →083: San Diego's Lost City with Author Richard Carrico Part 1
Oct 3000:27:55Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, I interview archaeologist Richard Carrico, an expert on the Presidio of San Diego, discussing its historical significance, the need for accessible literature on the subject, and the cultural heritage of the Kumeyaay people. Carrico shares insights from his new book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City. In it, Richard emphasizes the importance of the Presidio in California's history and the challenges it faces in terms of preservation and public awareness.00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work02:08 The Significance of the Presidio of San Diego04:29 The Need for a Comprehensive Book on the Presidio06:59 The Current State of the Presidio Site12:30 Historical Occupation of the Presidio18:00 Demographics and Community at the Presidio23:08 The Origin and Meaning of 'Presidio'25:35 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological InsightsSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →082: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 2
Oct 2100:40:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we delve into the second half of an interview with Tom Prezelski, author of Californio Lancers: The First Battalion of Native Cavalry in the Far West. The discussion covers the period post-Civil War, focusing on the unit's deployment to Arizona and the numerous challenges they faced, including malaria, desertion, and campaigns against the Apaches and French imperialists in Northern Mexico. We explore figures like Salvador Vallejo, Captain Pico, and Colonel Ronstadt, as well as the diverse backgrounds of the unit's soldiers and their complex motivations for joining. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the battalion's legacy and traces the intersections of various historical threads in the American Southwest during the 1860s.00:00 Introduction to the Interview01:25 Deployment to Arizona and Challenges02:59 Campaigns Against the Apaches and French Imperialists04:58 Health Issues and Desertion06:36 Confrontations and Leadership Dynamics15:34 Recruitment and Composition of the Unit21:50 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity31:12 Uniforms and Disbandment35:11 Legacy and Memorials37:40 Conclusion and Future ProjectsSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →