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
Newest firstAll episodes
071: Tales of Mexican California Part 2: Antonio Coronel's Memoirs
Feb 27, 202500:34:22Tap to summarizeTales of Mexican California: Antonio Coronel's Memoirs - Part 2To hear Part 1, go to Episode 065.In this episode of the California Frontier Podcast, Damian Bacich continues exploring the memoirs of Antonio Franco Coronel. Coronel's account provides a riveting look into his experiences as a Superior Court Judge in Mexican California during the 1840s, a time marked by political instability and frequent criminal conduct by soldiers. The memoir sheds light on key historical moments, including the failed colonization efforts, the uprising against Governor Manuel Micheltorena, and the early signs of American annexation. Coronel's detailed recounting of robberies and kidnappings from New Mexico and his interactions with notable figures like Pio Pico, Jose Castro, and John Sutter offer valuable insights into a tumultuous period in California history.00:00 Introduction to Antonio Franco Coronel's Memoirs00:21 Arrival and Early Challenges in Alta California01:36 Political Instability and New Governance03:34 The Crimes of the Permanent California Battalion 05:25 The Great Robbery at Don Vicente Sanchez's House12:13 Banditry and Contraband on the Old Spanish Trail13:18 The Case of the Stolen Turkeys20:52 Rebellion Against Governor Micheltorena25:17 Failed Negotiations and Micheltorena's Dilemma30:16 Conclusion and Reflections on Coronel's MemoirsPurchase a copy of Tales of Mexican California. Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →070: The Journey of the Stones: Fr. Paul Mark Schwan (Part 2)
Feb 18, 202500:34:02Tap to summarizeIn the second half of my interview with Father Paul Mark Swan, Abbot of the Abbey of New Clairvaux, we find out about the journey of a medieval Spanish monastery, brought to San Francisco by William Randolph Hearst, and later reassembled in Vina, California. Fr. Paul describes the meticulous process of restoring the Romanesque-Gothic church, as well as the architectural experts and stonemasons who made it possible. We also hear about the monastery's successful venture into the California wine industry and how you can visit and appreciate this unique California location. 00:00 Introduction and Recap01:25 The Journey of the Stones03:20 Restoration Efforts and Challenges09:35 Rebuilding the Church23:09 The Winery and Self-Support28:40 Visiting the Monastery32:40 Conclusion and SupportThe Abbey of New Clairvaux's WebsiteSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →069: Medieval Heritage in the Heart of California: Abbot Paul Mark Schwan (Part 1)
Feb 11, 202500:35:36Tap to summarizePart 1 of this interview explores the rich history of the Abbey of New Clairvaux, a Roman Catholic monastery in Vina, California. The abbey is rooted in the Benedictine tradition, a monastic lifestyle that began over 1,500 years ago. Abbot Fr. Paul Mark Schwan shares how through the monastery, medieval European monasticism intersected with U.S. westward expansion, touching upon historical figures like William Randolph Hearst and Leland Stanford, and the early years of the California wine industry. We learn about the abbey's foundation in 1955 by monks from Gethsemane Abbey in Kentucky, as well as the extensive history of the Vina location itself, which was once home to Native American tribes and later became an important site for prominent historical figures in California. The discussion also delves into the medieval stone church purchased by William Randolph Hearst, and its journey to California from Spain. Tune in to discover how these stones connect with present-day Golden Gate Park and their ultimate fate.00:00 Introduction to the Abbey of New Clairvaux00:31 Meeting the Monks and Learning the History01:23 The Monastic Life and Its Origins06:25 Founding of New Clairvaux08:12 The Location and Its Historical Significance10:18 The Property's Previous Owners16:16 Leland Stanford's Vision and Challenges26:20 William Randolph Hearst and the Ovila Monastery33:31 Conclusion and Segue to Part 2The Abbey of New Clairvaux's WebsiteSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →068: How the Civil War Transformed California | Author James Tejani
Jan 14, 202500:38:44Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of my conversation with author James Tejani, we delve into the Civil War's role in shaping California's economic and political landscape. The discussion highlights the transformation of California from the Gold Rush period to an industrial powerhouse in the late 19th century, emphasizing the importance of the transcontinental railroad. James explores the divisive debates in Congress about where the railroad would be placed, spotlighting California's critical position. We also cover California's strategic importance during the Civil War, the role of the LDS Church, Native American interactions, and the parallel between U.S. imperial ambitions and the earlier Spanish Empire's transpacific project. 00:00 Introduction: The Civil War's Impact on California00:38 Railroads and the Civil War01:26 California's Role in the Civil War02:14 The Pacific Railroad Controversy05:40 San Pedro Bay and the Civil War06:50 The Civil War's Broader Implications15:15 Native Americans, Mormons, and the Civil War22:16 California's Transformation Post-Civil War31:26 Reflections on California's History34:35 Conclusion and Future ProjectsSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →067: Remaking Southern California with author James Tejani
Jan 7, 202500:34:42Tap to summarizeIn Part 1, we sit down with author James Tejani to discuss his book, A Machine to Move Ocean and Earth: The Making of the Port of Los Angeles and America. The conversation delves into the historical context of the Gold Rush, demographic shifts in California, and the significant roles played by individuals like Edward Ord and Manuel Dominguez. We also explore the impact of federal scientific initiatives, the Coast Survey, and political patronage systems on the development of the port. Tejani ties these elements to broader themes like U.S. imperial expansion and the interface between science and politics.00:36 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:06 Author's Background and Early Influences04:15 The Significance of the Port of Los Angeles08:30 Key Figures in the Port's History09:26 The Ord-Dominguez Relationship20:28 Political and Economic Context26:03 Science and Politics Intersect32:54 Conclusion and Teaser for Part TwoGet the book: A Machine to Move Ocean and Earth: The Making of the Port of Los Angeles and AmericaSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →066: Thank You!
Dec 31, 202400:03:23Tap to summarizeA quick message of thanks at the end of 2024 from the California Frontier Project.Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →065: Tales of Mexican California Pt. 1
Dec 19, 202400:27:09Tap to summarizeIn the first episode of this series, we explore the memoirs of Antonio Franco Coronel, a significant figure in Southern California's Mexican past. Coronel takes us through his reminiscences of the struggles the controversial Híjar-Padrés Colony faced in early California. He describes the hardships encountered by the colonists, the betrayal by Don Mariano Vallejo's troops, and the political tensions between Mexican leaders over California's future. Coronel's narrative also offers a different perspective on the controversial secularization of missions and the role of the colonists in California's development. 00:00 Introduction to Antonio Franco Coronel's Memoirs01:38 Who Was Antonio Coronel?02:44 Coronel's Early Life and Journey to California05:01 The Colonization Efforts and Challenges08:26 The Journey to Monterey and Sonoma12:21 Struggles and Dissolution of the Colony18:18 Reflections on the Mission Secularization20:51 Conclusion and Next StepsSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →064: A Franciscan in Troubled Times Part 3
Dec 12, 202400:41:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we conclude the story of Fr. José María del Real. We cover the U.S. annexation and occupation of California and the tensions between new American settlers and the local population. We delve into Father Real's efforts to accommodate new immigrants, his rumored illegal sales of mission property, and his eventual departure from the mission. We also highlight Fr. Real's involvement in discovering a mercury mine and his life after leaving Alta California.00:00 Overiew of Prior Episodes01:47 The Arrival of American Settlers in California04:15 Tensions Between Immigrants and Native Californians07:36 Religious and Social Conflicts14:12 Father Real's Involvement in Local Developments20:19 The Catholic Church in California: A New Era20:42 Bishop Joseph Alemany: A New Leader21:32 Challenges and Changes: The Arrival of the Jesuits23:21 The Controversial Transfer of Mission Santa Clara26:05 Disputes and Legal Battles Over Mission Property31:06 Father Real's Departure and Final Days37:18 Legacy and Reflections on Father Real's LifeSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →063: A Franciscan in Troubled Times Part 2
Dec 3, 202400:25:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we delve further into the life and challenges faced by Fr. José María Suárez del Real, the last Franciscan missionary at Mission Santa Clara. The episode recounts Father Real's advocacy for the native people, his disputes with local elites, and the hardships he endured, including the occupation by militia troops. The narrative also touches upon the broader political struggles in Alta California, including the rise of local Californio leaders and the influence of American settlers leading up to the Mexican-American War.00:00 Introduction and Recap00:20 Challenges of Secularization01:16 Mission Indians' Struggles02:38 Father Real's Advocacy04:06 Political Turmoil and Land Disputes07:12 American Influence and Rebellion11:17 Father Rael's Later Years19:45 The Catholic Church's Struggles22:50 New ImmigrantsSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
Transcribe →