California Frontier

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...

In 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 Con...

In 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 initi...

A quick message of thanks at the end of 2024 from the California Frontier Project. Send a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In 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 poli...

In 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 invo...

In 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 struggle...

In 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 Californ...

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 confl...

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 variou...

This 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...

In 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...

Join 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 netw...

In 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 lavandería Rare Spanish colonial artworks, some with surprising origins Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, son of Sacagawea...

In 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...

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 show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In 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 signifi...

This 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 Southwes t. 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...

This 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 b...

In 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...

The 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. Observ...

This 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 States The Louisiana Purchase and its significance Texas independence and annexation by the U.S. Tensions leading to war between the U.S. and Mexico Key battles and military campaigns, including:  The captu...

In 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 Nativ...

In 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...

In 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 comp...