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.
29episodes
Episodes
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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 Narrative45:07 Lessons from Previous Works46:32 Balancing Scholarly Rigor with Accessibility47:57 Misconceptions about Women in the Gold Rush50:45 Legal Changes Empowering Women52:10 Future Projects and Book PromotionSend 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 →081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1
Oct 1400:33:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I talk with author Tom Prezelski about his book The Californio Lancers: The 1st Battalion of Native Cavalry in the Far West, 1863–1866. Together, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of the First Battalion of Native Cavalry in California during the Civil War. Learn how these Californios (Mexican Californians) came together to form a unique unit that played a crucial role in both Union efforts and frontier defense from 1863 to 1866. Tom shares personal anecdotes and historical insights on the battalion's formation, the use of lances, and their deployment to Arizona and Sonora. This episode ties together the cultural, political, and social dynamics of the American West and Civil War history.00:00 Introduction to the California Lancers01:32 Meet the Author: Tom Prezelski01:59 Tom's Background and Inspiration03:19 Discovering the California Lancers08:49 The Formation of the Native Cavalry10:30 Challenges and Recruitment14:19 The Unique Use of Lances26:56 Deployment and Duties29:49 Controversies and Legal IssuesSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →080: Soldiers' Wives on the California Frontier Part 2 | April Farnham, Ethnohistorian
Jul 17, 202500:34:46Tap to summarizeJoin us as we conclude our interview with ethnohistorian April Farnham, delving into the lives and contributions of mixed Spanish and indigenous families in Northern California during the late 18th and 19th centuries. From the Anza Expedition to the intricate social fabrics of families like the Juarez and Carillo, we explore matrimonial investigations, multicultural interactions, and the significant roles of women in preserving and merging diverse cultures. Discover how these early settlers shaped the cultural and historical landscape of California, specifically in the areas surrounding San Francisco Bay, Napa, and Sonoma. Don't miss out on learning new historical revelations and the ongoing efforts to uncover more about California's rich heritage.00:00 Introduction to the Interview with April Farham01:52 Exploring Matrimonial Investigations04:08 Connections to the Anza Expedition05:22 The Carillo Family Lineage07:32 Multilingual Influences and Relationships14:23 Research Directions and Future Projects23:55 The Role of Women in Preserving Culture30:16 Events and Activities at Sonoma State Historic Park32:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →079: Soldiers' Wives in Early California Part 1 | April Farnham, Ethnohistorian
Jul 1, 202500:37:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I interview April Farham, who shares her fascinating work on the lives of early California settlers, specifically indigenous and Mestiza women. April discusses her personal journey into historical research that focuses on California's frontier in the 18th and 19th centuries. She elaborates on her work at the Maidu Indian Museum and her passion for unraveling the stories behind the extensive basket collections and their connection to indigenous women. The conversation also touches on the genealogical and historical intersections revealed through archival research and the impact of mixed ancestry on California's cultural landscape.00:00 Introduction to the Interview with April Farham02:14 April's Background and Early Career06:54 Exploring the State Indian Museum Collections12:07 Graduate Studies and Research Focus Shift19:37 Discovering the Juarez Family History32:45 Ethnohistorical Research and Archival WorkSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →072: The Revolt of Los Angeles: Tales of Mexican California Part 3
Mar 13, 202500:24:12Tap to summarizeJoin me for another excerpt from Antonio Franco Coronel's memoirs, Tales of Mexican California. In this episode, we hear about the events of 1846, when the US military began its invasion and occupation of California. Coronel recounts Marine Captain Gillespie's heavy-handed rule in Los Angeles, local reactions to U.S. occupation, and the events leading to the (likely avoidable) revolt of the Pueblo of Los Angeles' residents against Gillespie and the U.S. occupiers. Antonio Coronel's account provides rich, firsthand insights into California's complex history during the Mexican-American War.00:00 Introduction to Antonio Franco Cordone's Memoirs01:10 Context of the Mexican-American War03:41 Captain Gillespie's Oppressive Rule07:50 The Revolt Against Gillespie15:35 The Siege and Surrender of Gillespie26:13 Conclusion and ReflectionsSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
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