Shows
California Frontier080: Soldiers' Wives on the California Frontier Part 2 | April Farnham, EthnohistorianJoin 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 mis...
2025-07-1734 minCalifornia Frontier079: Soldiers' Wives in Early California Part 1 | April Farnham, EthnohistorianIn 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...
2025-07-0137 minCalifornia Frontier078: True Visual History of California Part 3 | David W. Rickman, Illustrator and HistorianExploring Historical Illustrations and California's Cultural Heritage with David W. RickmanWatch to the full YouTube videoIn the final installment of this interview series, historian and illustrator David W. Rickman delves into the history of Russians on Northern California's coast, his contributions to national and state parks, collaborations with the Smithsonian Institution, and his esteemed Sutter's Fort Costume Manual. David also discusses his forthcoming book on clothing and material culture in the American West, 'Where Worlds Met.' Throughout the conversation, Rickman highlights his endeavors in historical illustration, in...
2025-05-2927 minCalifornia Frontier077: True Visual History of California Part 2 | David W. Rickman, Illustrator and HistorianIn the second part of our interview with illustrator and historian David W. Rickman, we delve into his research methodologies and his quest to accurately depict historical clothing. We discuss how Hollywood has influenced our perceptions of the American West and the common misconceptions about Native American attire in the past. David shares his experiences researching in various museums, including the National History Museum in Los Angeles and the de Young Museum, and talks about the challenges of getting people to wear authentic historical costumes. We also touch on his upcoming book, 'Where Worlds Met,' which explores California...
2025-05-1533 minCalifornia Frontier076: True Visual History of California Part 1 | David W. Rickman, Illustrator and HistorianJoin us for Part 1 of an interview with artist and historian David W. Rickman, renowned for his illustrations of California history and the Spanish borderlands. In this episode, we delve into the misconceptions influenced by Hollywood and incomplete historical records, and how David's unique expertise helps correct these narratives. Learn about his fascinating work on early Californian dress, the visual culture of the American West, and the painstaking research process behind his acclaimed illustrations. Don't miss this deep dive into the material culture and historical representation of the American West.00:00 Introduction and...
2025-05-0140 minCalifornia Frontier075: Life in the Gold Fields | Tales of Mexican California Part 4Antonio Coronel’s Gold Rush Tales in Mexican CaliforniaIn the final installment of 'The Tales of Mexican California,' we follow Antonio Coronel's vivid recount of his time in the Northern California gold fields post-1848. Coronel, who initially settled in Los Angeles after arriving from Mexico in 1834, shares graphic and poignant stories from the Gold Rush era. These include violent episodes, massacres of Native people, and the lawlessness that prevailed among fortune seekers. Coronel details his own experiences with gold mining, the lucrative yet perilous nature of the busin...
2025-04-1743 minCalifornia Frontier074: Pirates in California? | Michael Hardwick Part 2In the second part of my interview with Michael Hardwick, we hear about Hippolyte Bouchard, a pirate who raided California's coast, and learn about the history of the Spanish and Mexican presidios.This episode explores sea battles, invasions, and the armaments used during California's conquest and defense.Historian Michael R. Hardwick shares insights into powder supplies, Spanish cannons, and colonial history from 1769 to the Mexican War. In an interesting twist, Michael introduces also us to Spanish horticultural practices at the California missions.Send a Comment.Support the show
2025-04-0337 minCalifornia Frontier073: Presidios and Soldados in California Part 1 | Author Michael HardwickIn this episode, I delve into the often overlooked history of the Spanish Presidios in California with expert Michael Hardwick, author of Spanish Arms and Armaments of the Presidios in California. Michael shares his extensive research on Spanish military fortifications during the colonial period. We discuss the arms, armaments, and strategies of these garrisons, their role in supporting the missions, and their adaptation to coastal defenses. Michael also shares personal anecdotes from his years of archaeological work at Presidio sites and his exploration of historical records, providing a fascinating glimpse into Ca...
2025-03-2745 minCalifornia Frontier072: The Revolt of Los Angeles: Tales of Mexican California Part 3Join 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 Me...
2025-03-1324 minCalifornia Frontier071: Tales of Mexican California Part 2: Antonio Coronel's MemoirsTales 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. C...
2025-02-2734 minCalifornia Frontier070: The Journey of the Stones | Fr. Paul Mark Schwan (Part 2)In 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 R...
2025-02-1834 minCalifornia Frontier069: Medieval Heritage in the Heart of California | Abbot Paul Mark Schwan (Part 1)Part 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...
2025-02-1135 minCalifornia Frontier068: How the Civil War Transformed California | Author James TejaniIn 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...
2025-01-1438 minCalifornia Frontier067: Remaking Southern California with author James TejaniIn 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...
2025-01-0734 minCalifornia Frontier066: Thank You!A 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
2024-12-3103 minCalifornia Frontier065: Tales of Mexican California Pt. 1In 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 Antoni...
2024-12-1927 minCalifornia Frontier064: A Franciscan in Troubled Times Part 3In 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 Re...
2024-12-1241 minCalifornia Frontier063: A Franciscan in Troubled Times Part 2In 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' Struggles...
2024-12-0325 minCalifornia Frontier062: A Franciscan in Troubled Times Part 1In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Father José María Suárez del Real, a Mexican Franciscan missionary in 1840s California. Through anecdotes and historical context, we explore his role during the mission secularization period, his challenges in Alta California, and his impact on the local communities and California history. The episode sheds light on a tumultuous era of California's past, often overlooked in simplified historical narratives. Tune in to better understand this critical period in California history.00:00 Introduction to Father Real01:02 Complexities of California History02:27 Introducing Father Jose María Su...
2024-11-2620 minCalifornia Frontier061: The Attack on Mission San Diego: Interview with Richard Carrico (Part 2)In Part 2 of our conversation, we delve into the 1775 sacking of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, a pivotal event in California's history. Richard's detailed research challenges mainstream historical accounts and highlights the specific involvement of the Tipai subgroup of the Kumeyaay people in the attack. Richard discusses the complex motives behind the sacking, including religious conflicts, cultural grievances, and retribution for abuses by Spanish soldiers. We also explore the nuanced aftermath of the event, the Spanish military's response, and the broader implications for Spanish-Kumeyaay relations. This episode offers a deep dive into...
2024-11-1952 minCalifornia Frontier060: Reservation Archaeology with Richard Carrico (Part 1)In Part 1 of this interview, I speak with archeologist Richard Carrico, a prominent expert on the Native peoples of California, especially those in the San Diego area. Carrico shares his intriguing journey into archaeology, beginning with his service in the U.S. Army and a twist of fate that led him to discover his passion for archaeological studies. Richard details his educational path and various pivotal excavations, including working on the Presidio of San Diego and the Bancroft Ranch House. Carrico emphasizes the importance of understanding Native cultures, highlighting his ethnographic...
2024-11-1232 minCalifornia Frontier059: Strangers in a New Land: Two Foreigners Who Shaped Early CaliforniaThis solo episode explores how two ambitious foreigners, one a Scotsman and the other an American, navigated life in Mexican California during the 1830s and 1840s. Though both shared a common language and elite backgrounds, their approaches to Californio society couldn’t have been more different. One embraced the culture, marrying into a prominent local family and becoming a trusted insider; the other kept his distance, building wealth and connections among fellow Americans while remaining aloof from his Californio neighbors. As California’s fate shifted with the U.S.-Mexico War and the Gold Rush, these...
2024-11-0628 minCalifornia Frontier058: California's Untold Maritime History (Part 2) with author Eric PlunkettIn Part 2 of my interview with Eric Plunkett about early explorations of California, we begin with the shipwreck of the San Agustin in 1595 at Drake's Bay, recognized as California's first shipwreck. Eric goes on to discuss Pedro de Unamuno's overland incursion in 1587, which included the first recorded conflict with native people in California. We then explore the extensive and officially sanctioned expeditions of explorers like Sebastián Vizcaíno, who mapped much of the California coast and named several well-known places. The episode highlights California's early role in global trade rout...
2024-10-2930 minCalifornia Frontier057: California's Untold Maritime History (Part 1) with author Eric PlunkettJoin host Damian Bacich and guest Eric Plunkett as they dive into the fascinating early maritime history of California. Plunkett reveals surprising details about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's 1542 expedition, including his connection to Cortez and the fall of Tenochtitlan. Learn how Cabrillo documented Chumash village names that remained unchanged for centuries and how Native American trade networks helped Spanish explorers communicate across vast distances. Discover lesser-known stories of the Manila Galleons, shipwrecks, and a possible "California Cabeza de Vaca" - a Spanish pilot who may have walked from Northern California back to Mexico City in the 1580s...
2024-10-2230 minCalifornia Frontier056: Secrets of Mission San Luis Rey Part 2 with Art Historian Helena HazletonIn Part 2 of my interview with Helena Hazleton, Museum Director at Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, we discuss its later history and some features that make it stand out among missions.Main topics of Part 2: The mission's unique architecture, including its distinctive dome and lavanderíaRare Spanish colonial artworks, some with surprising originsJean Baptiste Charbonneau, son of Sacagawea, and his role at the missionHow Mexican and Irish Franciscans worked to restore the mission Connections to Aztec and Maya art and the mission's adaptation to frontier lifeThe historic mission cemeteryAfter listening to this episode, I'm...
2024-10-1534 minCalifornia Frontier055: Secrets of Mission San Luis Rey Part 1 with Art Historian Helena HazletonIn this episode, I interview art historian Helena Hazleton, Director of the Museum at Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in Oceanside, California. In this captivating conversation, Helena shares her expertise on one of the largest and most productive California missions.Main topics of Part 1:- The unique history and founding of Mission San Luis Rey in 1798- How the mission survived the devastating 1812 earthquake- The story of Father Antonio Peyri and his influence on the mission's success- The remarkable tale of Pablo Tac, a young Luiseño who w...
2024-10-0831 minCalifornia Frontier054: What's Up with the California Frontier Project?We've published 50 episodes and it is time to check in about where the California Frontier Project is going.Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
2024-10-0120 minCalifornia Frontier053: Beyond the Devil's Road Part 2: Dr. Jeremy BeerIn Part 2 of this interview, author Jeremy Beer discusses his new book Beyond the Devil's Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest. Beer delves into the life and legacy of Franciscan friar Francisco Garcés, a key figure in early Spanish exploration and missionary work in the American Southwest during the late 18th century.Key topics covered:• The significance of the "Devil's Road" in Spanish exploration• Garcés' unique approach to missionary work and his relationships with Native peoples• The complex web of relationships between Spanish m...
2024-09-2431 minCalifornia Frontier052: Beyond the Devil's Road Part 1: Interview with author Dr. Jeremy BeerThis is Part 1 of an interview with author Jeremy Beer about his new book Beyond the Devil's Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of Fray Francisco Garcés, a Franciscan Friar and lesser-known but remarkable explorer, and his extensive travels across one of North America's harshest environments. The interview sheds light on Garcés' unique contributions through a detailed narrative of his life and the historical context of Spanish missions in the U.S. Southwest. Learn about the research, the hardships, and the incredible journeys that marked thi...
2024-09-1733 minCalifornia Frontier051: California in 1834 Part 3: Wine and WeddingsThis is the third and final installment exploring the recollections of Carlos N. Híjar, who came to Alta California from Mexico in 1834 at age eight. Key points include: Detailed description of wine and brandy production methods at the missions.Explanation of flour-making techniques using millstones.In-depth discussion of marriage customs among Californios, including: Selection of godparents before birthBaptism celebrationsArranged marriages between familiesThe betrothal process and living arrangementsWedding ceremonies and multi-day celebrationsWe finish with brief insights into the general character and lifestyle of Californios.Send a Comment.Support the showGiv...
2024-09-1023 minCalifornia Frontier050: Alta California in 1834 Part 2: Song and DanceIn this episode, we continue exploring the memoirs of Carlos N. Híjar, who came to Alta California as a young boy in 1834. The episode focuses on daily life in Alta California during the Spanish and Mexican eras, particularly in Santa Barbara. Key points include:1. Description of popular dances and songs, including details on how they were performed and celebrated.2. Insights into Catholic feast days and their importance in social life.3. Discussion of cattle roundups and rodeos at missions, including the process of slaughtering cattle for food.4. Explanation of washing customs a...
2024-09-0325 minCalifornia Frontier049: Alta California in 1834 Part 1: Bear and Bull FightsThe episode focuses on the recollections of Carlos N. Híjar, who arrived in Alta California in 1834 as a child. Híjar's memoir provides insights into daily life, customs, and entertainment in 1830s California.Key points covered include:Description of Californios' appearance, including long braided hair and distinctive hats.Details about clothing, horse riding, and gender roles.Observations on food. Description of the patron saint celebration in Santa Barbara, featuring bullfights and bear-bull fights.A detailed account of how bull and bear fights were conducted.Stay tuned for further episodes covering Carlos' memories of Rancho Era...
2024-08-2924 minCalifornia Frontier048: The Mexican-American War: An OverviewThis episode explores the complex history of the Mexican-American War and its lasting impact on North America. In it, we cover:Spanish presence in North America and the formation of the United StatesThe Louisiana Purchase and its significanceTexas independence and annexation by the U.S.Tensions leading to war between the U.S. and MexicoKey battles and military campaigns, including: The capture of MonterreyThe Bear Flag Revolt in CaliforniaThe fall of Mexico CityThe Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and its termsThe Gadsden PurchaseLearn how this conflict reshaped borders and led to massive U.S. territorial gains, including C...
2024-08-2234 minCalifornia Frontier047: The Chumash Uprising Part 2: Interview with Dr. John JohnsonIn the second part of our interview, Dr. John Johnson, former Curator of Anthropology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, delves deeper into the legacy and aftermath of the 1824 Chumash Uprising in California:- The long-term impacts of the uprising on California's history- Why most Chumash people returned to the missions after the revolt- The complex relationships between Native Americans, missionaries, and the Mexican government- Comparisons with other California mission uprisings- How modern Chumash people view and remember the uprising- Ongoing research and future projects...
2024-08-0827 minCalifornia Frontier046: The Chumash Uprising Part 1: Interview with Dr. John R. JohnsonIn Part 1 of this fascinating interview, Dr. John Johnson, former Curator of Anthropology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, provides an in-depth look at the Chumash Uprising of 1824 - the most important indigenous uprising in California history.Dr. Johnson, an expert on California's Native peoples, especially the Chumash Indians, shares his extensive research on this pivotal uprising that occurred exactly 200 years ago. He discusses:The historical context and conditions leading to the uprisingThe sequence of events at Missions Santa Ynez, La Purisima, and Santa BarbaraVarious perspectives on the causes, including...
2024-08-0140 minCalifornia Frontier045: Californios and Ethnicity with Archaeologist Jennifer LucidoIn today's interview, I am talking with archaeologist Jennifer Lucido.Jennifer has worked at several important historical sites in the Monterey area and has recently traced the genealogies of some of California's early poblador families. Her fascinating work has shed light on how their ethnic identities shifted as they arrived in a new territory.In our conversation, we discuss the complex ethnic classifications of New Spain, how the frontier simplified them and how today's categories of nationality and race don't always match how people thought of themselves 200 years ago.We also delve into...
2024-07-2555 minCalifornia Frontier044: A brief update from the California Frontier ShowIt is summer and time for a short update on the show.Send a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
2024-07-1814 minCalifornia Frontier043: California's Insurgency: The Bear Flag RevoltThe Bear Flag Revolt is one of the central episodes in the events leading to the U.S. annexation of California. In June of 1846, a group of Americans took over the Mexican Pueblo of Sonoma and declared a new “California Republic.” This is the story of their uprising.Episode transcript: https://www.californiafrontier.net/bear-flag-revolt/Recommended Reading:Book: Neal Harlow, California Conquered: The Annexation of a Mexican Province, 1846-1850Book: Alan Rosenus, General Vallejo and the Advent of the AmericansBook: Kevin Starr, California: A Histor...
2024-07-0420 minCalifornia Frontier042: Native American Ranchos in Alta CaliforniaSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
2024-06-2738 minCalifornia Frontier041: The Californios: Early California's SettlersSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
2024-06-1324 minCalifornia Frontier040: Secrets of Mission Architecture (Part 2): Dr. Rubén G. MendozaIn part 2 of this interview, we delve further into the hidden astronomical alignments of many California mission churches. The orientations allowed sunlight to illuminate altars, tabernacles, and statues of saints on specific liturgical dates like the solstices, equinoxes, and religious feasts. Dr. Rubén G. Mendoza explains the advanced knowledge of astronomy, calendars, and celestial mechanics that the Franciscan missionaries brought and applied in the architectural design of the missions.Rubén describes how the illuminations shift yearly due to the lunar cycle and explains why this knowledge was, at times, lost. His quest to red...
2024-06-0650 minCalifornia Frontier039: Secrets of Mission Architecture: Dr. Rubén Mendoza (Part 1)In Part 1 of this interview, I talk with trailblazing archaeologist Dr. Rubén Mendoza.Recounting his unexpected path from a curious young boy to a renowned scholar, Mendoza shares his pioneering work decoding the California missions' architectural secrets.His discoveries point to an incredible cosmic architecture. The missions were constructed with startling precision to capture rays of sunlight during solstices, equinoxes, and sacred feast days.This strategic solar geometry suggests a profound intermingling of European and indigenous astronomy.Mendoza builds a compelling case that the missions embody a...
2024-05-3041 minCalifornia Frontier038: A Warrior's Journey: The Legend of Chief SolanoTowering over people at 6'7", the imposing figure of Chief Francisco Solano loomed large in early 19th-century California.Born a Suisun native named Sina, he received the name Francisco Solano at his Mission Dolores baptism in 1810. Solano rose to become a formidable military leader, commanding thousands of indigenous warriors for the Mexican authorities.His skill in battle and diplomacy was invaluable to General Mariano Vallejo in establishing control over Native groups in Northern California. Solano straddled two worlds - respected by Indians and Californios for both his might and intelligence. Eyewitness...
2024-05-2312 minCalifornia Frontier037: General of the Northern Frontier: Mariano Guadalupe VallejoThis episode is dedicated the remarkable life of Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a central figure in the pivotal era of California's origins. Born into a military family in 1808 Monterey, Vallejo's thirst for knowledge and quick wit allowed him to receive a prestigious education from the governor himself. Vallejo rapidly ascended the military ranks, becoming the powerful commander who established a pueblo and presidio in Sonoma - the northernmost reaches of the territory. Vallejo's exploits included an unlikely friendship with a Native American chieftain that shaped the history of Mexican California. When the Bear Flag Re...
2024-05-1615 minCalifornia Frontier036: The Enigmatic Explorer Juan Rodríguez CabrilloJuan Rodríguez Cabrillo is best known for being the first European to successfully navigate the Pacific coast of what is today California to points north of the San Francisco Bay. During the voyage, he and his men disembarked at several points and made direct contact with the Native American inhabitants of the coast and Channel Islands. His and his men's account of their voyage was also the first written description of the West Coast of North America and its peoples. Episode web page: https://www.californiafrontier.net/juan-rodriguez-cabrillo/
2024-05-0919 minCalifornia Frontier035: An Inside Look at the California Missions ConferenceIn this episode, I give my take on the California Missions Foundation conference that took place on April 12-14. It was the first in-person conference since 2020, making it an important occasion to reconnect with California history in a special way.The California Missions Foundation does a huge amount to preserve the physical reminders of California's early past, particularly the missions, ranchos, and presidios. It also supports scholarship into California's native, mission, and rancho history. Each year, the conference is hosted by one of California's 21 missions. This year's conference events took place at two missions: La Purísima in...
2024-05-0216 minCalifornia Frontier034: Kevin Starr's Vision: Interview with Jason Sexton, Pt. 2In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Jason Sexton, we delve into Kevin's attempt to understand the "California experience." Kevin Starr tried to chronicle California's history in a nuanced yet idealistic way, which connected him to earlier California historians such as Josiah Royce.According to Jason, Starr was an open-minded, generous figure who sought to bring people together through his writings that celebrate ordinary Californians. His Catholic faith shaped this vision of California, and his honesty and empathy helped him grapple with darker aspects of the state's history, like the treatment of Native Americans. Along...
2024-04-2537 minCalifornia Frontier033: History and California's Redemption: Interview with author Jason Sexton, Pt. 1This is the first part of a lively conversation with Dr. Jason Sexton, editor of a book on the renowned California historian Kevin Starr (1940-2017).Sexton describes Starr as California’s most ambitious interpreter. Starr’s 8-volume history, spanning the state’s origins to the 2000s, is the most complete work on California in print.Kevin Starr grew up in an orphanage and San Francisco’s housing projects. As a young man, he studied at the University of San Francisco before serving in the U.S. Army in Europe. He later went on...
2024-04-1736 minCalifornia Frontier032: How We Almost Lost El Camino Real (and the Women Who Saved It)Imagine California today without any remnants of its Spanish and Mexican past. That almost happened until a group of determined women took action to preserve the state's Hispanic heritage. At the turn of the 20th century, the historic El Camino Real trail connecting the California missions was crumbling into disrepair and faced being lost forever. Enter Anna Pitcher, a civic leader who launched an ambitious plan to designate and mark the ancient route for the automobile age. Joined by leading women's clubs like the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Pitcher and her successors spent decades advocating...
2024-04-0612 minCalifornia Frontier031: How did the California Missions End?The California missions ended after Mexico became independent of Spain. The newly independent Mexican government eventually passed laws that called for an end to the mission system through “secularization.” The laws mandated the missions to be turned over to the Native American converts and converted into secular towns, with the land divided among Indian families. However, much of the mission lands and property ended up being granted to Spanish/Mexican settlers instead of the Native Americans. By the late 1830s, all 21 California missions had been secularized. Most missions fell into ruin until a movement in the la...
2024-03-2615 minCalifornia Frontier030: Fr. José Altimira, Sonoma and the End of the Mission ChainThe episode chronicles the story of Fr. José Altimira, a Spanish Franciscan missionary in early 19th century California. Altimira pushed to establish a new mission north of San Francisco Bay, clashing with his Franciscan superiors; he explored the Sonoma Valley and established a new mission in 1823 with support from Mexican civil authorities. Though the mission was allowed to continue, Altimira's time there was filled with tension. As the last mission founded under Mexican rule, San Francisco Solano marked the northernmost reach of the California mission chain.Send a Comment.Support the showGive a...
2024-03-1915 min