California Frontier - A History Podcast

Towering 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 accounts paint him as an awe-inspiring warrior. After Mexican rule ended, Solano faded into legend, with conflicting reports of his final years and resting place. His legacy endures through place names, a towering statue, and the persistent mystique surrounding this titan who bestrode the eras of Spanish, Mexican and American California. Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

This 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 Revolt sought to overthrow Mexican rule, the charismatic Vallejo charmed the insurgents over a meal before being imprisoned. In the new State of California, Vallejo fought tirelessly to preserve the voices and stories of his fellow Californios. He collaborated extensively with esteemed historian H.H. Bancroft, opening doors to gather oral histories. Vallejo's own remarkable memoirs shed light on this captivating era. Listen now to dive into the extraordinary life of this trailblazer who left an indelible mark on California history. To learn more: Recuerdos: Historical and Personal Remembrances Relating to Alta California, 1769–1849Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo: Life in Spanish, Mexican, and American California General Vallejo and the Advent of the AmericansSupport the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

Juan 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/ Mentioned in this episode: Discovering Cabrillo by Harry Kelsey Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In 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 Lompoc for the paper presentations and Mission Santa Inés for the banquet and social gatherings. In addition to the conference and banquet, private tours were offered of nearby historical sites, such as the mission mills and the mission laundry area at Santa Inés. These tours are often led by experts, like the archaeologists who excavated these sites, providing a behind-the-scenes look into places that regular visitors might not be able to access. For those interested in early California history, the conference presentations are fascinating. They delve into little-known but intriguing aspects of California's missions, ranchos, presidios, and native peoples. If you want to stay up-to-date on next year's event, make sure and subscribe to the podcast or join our email list at www.californiafrontier.net. Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In 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 the way, Jason introduces us to Starr's major works, like Endangered Dreams and Embattled Dreams. These books show Starr's literary mastery in capturing California's depth and complexity—the awesome but conflicting stories that make California unique. Learn more: Jason Sexton, Ph.D. Redemptive Dreams: Engaging Kevin Starr’s CaliforniaKevin Starr’s Books on Amazon.comSupport the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

This 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 to earn a doctorate at Harvard University and became a prolific newspaper columnist before dedicating himself to interpreting California history. Through his unique life experience, Starr developed an expansive perspective that embraced the character of both Northern and Southern California. Jason Sexton, who grew up in the Central Valley town of Tracy, became fascinated by Starr’s vision after reading his works. As a theologian and sociologist, Sexton saw religious dimensions in Starr’s works that he believed needed to be explored. This motivated him to edit a volume that would examine, appreciate and even critique Starr’s approach to the state’s history. The interview also covers Jason’s unconventional path to academia in the UK before returning to California and how he sees Starr as embodying the “redemptive dreams” of people making history in the fragmented Golden State. Learn more: Jason Sexton, Ph.D. Redemptive Dreams: Engaging Kevin Starr’s CaliforniaKevin Starr’s Books on Amazon.comSupport the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

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 and physically marking El Camino Real with the now iconic bell markers. Their efforts were not without opposition, as some saw the missions as odious symbols of colonialism. But the women persisted, mapping El Camino Real and installing bells from San Diego to Sonoma. Their pioneering work preserved an indelible touchstone of California's diverse origins that residents and visitors can still enjoy today. Learn more: California’s El Camino Real and its Historic BellsCalifornia Vieja: Culture and Memory in a Modern American PlaceSupport the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

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 late 19th/early 20th centuries raised funds to restore and preserve them as tourist attractions. After California became part of the U.S., the mission churches were returned to the Catholic Church by Presidents Buchanan and Lincoln. The restored missions along Highway 101 (El Camino Real) drew visitors from around the world, allowing people to experience their history and beauty. Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

The 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. Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In this episode, we look at the history of Native American Vaqueros. Vaqueros were skilled horsemen who managed cattle and horses. Their tradition probably originates in the horse culture that arrived in Spain from North Africa in the 8th century AD and is widespread in Latin America. The mission era brought ranching life to Alta California and created the unique figure of the California vaquero. Franciscan friars had some of the most trusted Native Americans at the missions trained as vaqueros, who excelled at horsemanship. Eventually, Indian vaqueros were a key part of rancho life on the California frontier. Full text of the podcast Learn more about Native American Vaqueros: Testimonios: Early California through the Eyes of Women, 1815–1848.In the Days of the Vaqueros: America’s First True Cowboys.Californios: The Saga of the Hard-riding Vaqueros, America’s First Cowboys.Vineyards and Vaqueros: Indian Labor and the Economic Expansion of Southern California, 1771–1877.These Were The Vaqueros: Collected Works of Arnold R. RojasLost Laborers in Colonial California: Native Americans and the Archaeology of Rancho Petaluma.“Indigenous Vaqueros in Colonial California” Foreign Objects: Rethinking Indigenous Consumption in American Archaeology“Born of Horses:’ Missionaries, Indigenous Vaqueros, and Ecological Expansion during the Spanish Colonization of California.”Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In this episode, we look at Native American life at Mission San Miguel Arcángel through the eyes of the padres who oversaw the mission. Mission San Miguel is located in central California, almost equally distant from San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south. In 1813, the Spanish Government sent a questionnaire to the priests of the California Missions to learn about the life of the native people at each of the missions. Each mission provided answers with more or less detail depending on the temperament and experience of the missionaries. The padres recorded their observations of the life of the native people at the mission and often wrote down what they understood about indigenous customs outside the mission boundaries. Their answers provide valuable glimpses into the lives of the native community at each mission over 200 years ago. Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In this episode, we delve into the lives of three remarkable women from early San Diego whose stories offer profound insights into the tumultuous times of California's frontier era. Drawing from the rich narratives preserved in Testimonios: Early California Through the Eyes of Women, 1815-1848 by Rose Marie Beebe and Robert Senkewicz, we explore the diverse paths of Josefa Carrillo de Fitch, Juana Machado de Wrightington, and Apolinaria Lorenzana. Josefa Carrillo de Fitch, daughter of a soldier and a descendant of early California settlers, embarked on a journey of love and resilience, eloping with an American sea captain amidst familial tensions and navigating the challenges of land disputes in the aftermath of her husband's passing. Juana Machado de Wrightington, born into a military family, experienced the transformations of California through the Mexican-American War and the U.S. annexation, offering poignant reflections on loss, survival, and the enduring presence of tradition amidst change. Apolinaria Lorenzana, a beloved figure in San Diego society, emerged from humble beginnings as an orphan to become a pillar of her community, advocating for education and serving as a beacon of compassion amidst the violence and upheaval of the era. Through their testimonies, we uncover the individual trials and triumphs of these women and the collective resilience and strength of those who shaped the early fabric of California. Join us as we listen to the voices often forgotten yet integral to understanding the complex tapestry of California's history. Learn More: Testimonios: Early California Through the Eyes of Women, 1815-1848 Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

This episode features an intriguing conversation with Jorge Del Castillo as he shares his experiences following the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. This historic trail was a route used by Spanish settlers in the 18th century to reach Northern California from New Spain (Mexico). Jorge describes his journey, detailing various memorable sites, and shares his love for the history of California, the West, and Mexico. He also offers practical travel advice for anyone interested in following the trail, emphasizing the richness the trip adds to one’s understanding of history and culture. Additionally, Jorge shares his perspective on the Spanish influence on culture and historical sites in the Southwest. A brief addendum from Jorge: “Anza did find the trail and traveled back and forth on it at least twice. It was supposed to provide an alternative land route to the ocean route by boats, but it did not remain open. Initially, the Anza party, including a Native American translator and priests, established very friendly relations with the Yumans near the Yuma crossing of the Colorado River. He felt confident that he could leave a small contingent of Spanish colonists, including soldiers and priests, in two communities, one on each side of the river; however, those relations soured over a period from 1779 to 1781. The Spaniards demanded that the Native Americans provide food and other things for their subsistence in the desert along the river. They pushed too hard and deprived the natives of the necessary things for their own survival. This led to an eventual Yuman revolt and massacre or enslavement of all of the colonists. Though the war against the Yumans continued throughout 1782, the principal leaders of the revolt were never apprehended, and the Yumans once again controlled their own lands. The Colorado River mission project had ended in failure. The Yuman revolt closed Spain’s overland route to Alta California, leaving the province dependent on resupply by sea for about the next 50 years. Anza had gone on to become the Governor of New Mexico, where he eventually subdued the Comanche tribe.” References: With Anza to California 1775-1776, The Journal of Pedro Font,AntepasadosJuan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, United States National Park System websiteTo learn more: The Story of Juan Bautista de AnzaThe Anza ExpeditionInterview with Descendant Greg Bernal SmestadSupport the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

This is a special episode from the California Frontier Show archives. In this episode, I speak with Greg Bernal-Mendoza Smestad, a direct descendant of the families who settled Alta California over 200 years ago. Greg talks to us about their journey, the character of those who risked their lives to come north, and the legacy they passed on. When Spanish explorers came to Alta California in 1769, they soon understood that they would never be able to defend the province from the English and Russians if they did not found a colony populated by families. In 1775, Felipe de Neve, the governor of California, together with Juan Bautista de Anza, an intrepid army officer from Tubac, in Sonora, recruited a group of about 200 people to journey north on foot and establish towns in Alta California. Neve knew that without families to raise crops and establish towns, creating a stable Spanish presence in the territory would be hard. Anza led these families of mixed European, Native American, and African ancestry from what is today southern Arizona. They traveled for almost 1,000 miles on foot, horseback and mule, arriving at the Presidio of Monterey in March of 1776. Members of the expedition later branched off to found the Presidio of San Francisco and the Pueblo (now City) of San José. Over time, a new, hybrid culture grew: the culture of the Californios. In my conversation with Greg, he explained the significance of the Anza expedition, told some wonderful stories about his ancestors and their dramatic journey, and gave insight into what it means to be a Californio. Greg talks about his grandmother’s insistence that he carry on the family legacy. Later, he tells us about the network of Californio descendants who are keeping their heritage alive and sharing it with others. In his drive to share his ancestors’ story, Greg has worked with the National Park Service to help found the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. He has created original materials in both English and Spanish to help visitors understand the significance of this national treasure. He was instrumental in starting Founders Day or Happy Birthday San José, which celebrates the birth of California’s third largest city. Links for this episode: Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic TrailLos CalifornianosThe Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay AreaMount UmunhumChitactac-Adams Heritage County ParkMy story about Happy Birthday San JoséMy article about GregAlan K. Brown’s book on the Anza Expedition of 1775-76Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

Although little known today, the name of William Alexander Leidesdorff is enshrined on streets in San Francisco and a town along the American River. He was also one of California’s pioneers of African descent and instrumental in bringing about the American annexation of California. Further Reading: William Alexander Leidesdorff – First Black Millionaire, American Consul and California Pioneer by Gary Palgon. Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

This is a special episode from the California Frontier Show archives. A growing number of people of all ages are taking up the challenge of walking the entire California mission trail. For many, it is an adventure, a spiritual pilgrimage, a scenic tour, a way to get to know themselves, or all of the above. So today, I'm going into the archives and presenting the first podcast episode I ever did for California Frontier. It's an interview with author Maggie Espinosa, who walked the whole trail herself and wrote a very engaging book about it called On a Mission. Maggie Espinosa is a journalist, travel writer, and blogger who decided to set off on a quest to visit all 21 of California missions. She overcame challenges, made friends, and learned about herself along the way. The story of her journey is detailed in the book On a Mission: An 800-mile Walk to Discover California’s El Camino Real. On a Mission is a wonderful, personal account of her life on the mission trail. When I read it, I knew I had to interview Maggie somehow and hear her story. Maggie’s website: https://travelwithmaggie.com/ Maggie’s book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qAUwSI The California Mission Walkers Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/californiamissionwalkers Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

Juan Bautista de Anza was a military officer, governor, explorer and diplomat. His life had an enormous impact on the history of California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. To learn more: Juan Bautista de Anza: The King’s Governor in New Mexico.The Anza Trail and the Settling of CaliforniaAnza Trail Guide:interviewed GregAnza Societylist of books about Anza Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In this episode of the California Frontier Podcast, Damian interviews Trudi Angell, producer of the documentary film La Récua (The Mule Pack Train). La Récua follows the story of Darío Higuera, a 70-year-old Baja California ranchero, who dreams of recreating an early-20th-century mule train transporting traditional goods from Comondú to La Paz in southern Baja California. Accompanied by his son, 8-year-old grandson, and friends, Darïo plans to travel 200 miles on mule-back through the daunting Baja outback, retracing historical routes and discovering never-before-filmed sections of El Camino Real. Along the way, the travelers face dangers, encounter old and new friends, and exchange memories, providing viewers with insights into the traditional lifestyle of Baja California’s backcountry ranchers. The documentary uses breathtaking cinematography and captivating storytelling to take the viewer on a legendary journey into Californio vaquero history. The official website of La Récua: https://larecua.com/ The California Frontier Project: https://www.californiafrontier.net California History Teachers: https://www.californiahistoryteachers.com Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

In part two of this interview with author Eric Plunkett, we get into some real stories of people who lived through some of the enormous changes of the early years. Eric emphasizes the importance of translating and making primary sources from Spanish colonial California available, as they provide deeper and more authentic insights into the […] The post Stories of Early Orange County: Eric Plunkett, Part 2 first appeared on Early California Resource Center. The post Stories of Early Orange County: Eric Plunkett, Part 2 appeared first on Early California Resource Center. Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

Eric Plunkett is an amazing historian whose enthusiasm for discovering the riches of California’s past is contagious. In this episode, Damian Bacich hosts a deep-dive discussion with Eric on the history of early California, especially Orange County. They touch on indigenous languages, the California grizzly bear, and their mutual interest in archival research. Eric shares […] The post Uncovering Orange County’s Hidden History with Eric Plunkett (Pt. 1) first appeared on Early California Resource Center. The post Uncovering Orange County’s Hidden History with Eric Plunkett (Pt. 1) appeared first on Early California Resource Center. Support the Show. Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net