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PODCAST

California Frontier

Damian Bacich, Ph.D.

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.

history places & travel

All Episodes

34:02

070: The Journey of the Stones: Fr. Paul Mark Schwan...

California Frontier ·

2025/02/18

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...

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35:36

070: Medieval Heritage in the Heart of California:...

California Frontier ·

2025/02/11

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 indu...

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38:44

How the Civil War Transformed California | Author...

California Frontier ·

2025/01/14

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 Congress about where the railroad would be placed, spotlighting California's critical position. We also cover ...

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34:42

Remaking Southern California with author James Tejani

California Frontier ·

2025/01/07

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 initiatives, the Coast Survey, and political patronage systems on the development of the port. Tejani t...

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3:23

Thank You!

California Frontier ·

2024/12/31

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

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27:09

Tales of Mexican California Pt. 1

California Frontier ·

2024/12/19

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 political tensions between Mexican leaders over California's future. Coronel's narrative also offe...

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41:11

A Franciscan in Troubled Times Part 3

California Frontier ·

2024/12/12

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 involvement in discovering a mercury mine and his life after leaving Alta California.00:00 Overiew of Prior Epi...

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25:28

A Franciscan in Troubled Times Part 2

California Frontier ·

2024/12/03

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 struggles in Alta California, including the rise of local Californio leaders and the influence of America...

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20:22

A Franciscan in Troubled Times Part 1

California Frontier ·

2024/11/26

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 California's past, often overlooked in simplified historical narratives. Tune in to better understand thi...

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52:14

The Attack on Mission San Diego: Interview with...

California Frontier ·

2024/11/19

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 nuan...

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32:40

Reservation Archaeology with Richard Carrico (Part 1)

California Frontier ·

2024/11/12

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 Hous...

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28:04

Strangers in a New Land: Two Foreigners Who Shaped...

California Frontier ·

2024/11/06

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 other kept his distance, building wealth and connections among fellow Americans while remaini...

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30:36

California's Untold Maritime History (Part 2) with...

California Frontier ·

2024/10/29

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 officially sanctioned expeditions of explorers like Sebastián Vizcaíno, who mapped much of the California coas...

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30:59

California's Untold Maritime History (Part 1) with...

California Frontier ·

2024/10/22

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 networks helped Spanish explorers communicate across vast distances. Discover lesser-known storie...

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34:19

Secrets of Mission San Luis Rey Part 2 with Art...

California Frontier ·

2024/10/15

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 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 Con...

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31:44

Secrets of Mission San Luis Rey Part 1 with Art...

California Frontier ·

2024/10/08

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 1812 earthquake- The story of Father Antonio Peyri and his influence on the mission's success- The ...

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20:42

What's Up with the California Frontier Project?

California Frontier ·

2024/10/01

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

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31:36

Beyond the Devil's Road Part 2: Dr. Jeremy Beer

California Frontier ·

2024/09/24

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 significance of the "Devil's Road" in Spanish exploration• Garcés' unique approach to missionary work and his re...

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33:46

Beyond the Devil's Road Part 1: Interview with author...

California Frontier ·

2024/09/17

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 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 con...

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23:40

California in 1834 Part 3: Wine and Weddings

California Frontier ·

2024/09/10

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 before birthBaptism celebrationsArranged marriages between familiesThe betrothal process and...

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