California Frontier

Damian Bacich, Ph.D.
  • 4.8 (28)
  • History
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 

  1. 1d ago

    097: Bastion by the Bay with author Dr. John Langelier

    This is the second interview in a series marking the 250th anniversary of the Presidio of San Francisco. Damian Bacich sits down with historian Dr. John Langelier, author of Bastion by the Bay: The Presidio of San Francisco, from Outpost of Empire to Magnificent Park, for a sweeping conversation covering the Presidio's founding by Spain, its Mexican and U.S. Army eras, the Buffalo Soldiers who became America's first Black national park rangers, two World Wars, the Cold War, and its transformation into one of the most-visited urban national parks in the country. Dr. Langelier shares personal stories from his years as founding director of the Presidio's museum, the researchers and colleagues who shaped his career, and the forgotten individuals — soldiers, chaplains, and civilians — whose stories fill the book's pages alongside its extensive photograph collection. Buy Bastion by the Bay: The Presidio of San Francisco, from Outpost of Empire to Magnificent Park Send a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact: damian@californiafrontier.net

  2. Aug 4

    096: San Francisco Presidio with Archaeologist Kari Jones and Historian Rob Thomson Part 2

    The story of the Presidio didn't end with Spain or Mexico—it was only beginning. In the second half of my conversation with Rob Thomson, Federal Preservation Officer, and Kari Jones, archaeologist with the Presidio Trust, we explore the remarkable transformation of the Presidio of San Francisco from a remote Mexican frontier outpost into one of the most important military installations on the West Coast—and ultimately into one of America's most innovative national parks. We discuss how the U.S. Army reshaped the Presidio after 1846, introducing new architecture, forests, hospitals, airfields, and coastal defenses that reflected changing military priorities from the Civil War through the Cold War. We also examine Fort Point, Castillo de San Joaquín, the evolution of military technology, and the Presidio's role in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to World War II. The conversation concludes with the extraordinary story of how the Presidio escaped the fate of many former military bases. Rather than falling into disrepair, it became a model for historic preservation through the creation of the Presidio Trust, whose innovative self-supporting approach has preserved hundreds of historic buildings while creating one of the nation's most vibrant urban parks. Whether you're interested in California history, military history, architecture, archaeology, or the preservation of historic places, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the most important historic landscapes in the United States. If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help more people discover the rich and often overlooked history of California. Learn about the Presidio Trust 00:00 – The Presidio's Transition to American Control02:55 – What the Presidio Looked Like in 184805:35 – Spanish Revival Architecture and the World's Fair07:15 – Castillo de San Joaquín and the Defense of San Francisco Bay11:55 – Fort Point and America's New Coastal Fortress13:30 – The Presidio's Growth as a Major U.S. Army Base17:30 – The Presidio in the Civil War, World Wars, and Cold War21:00 – From Military Base to National Park25:15 – Historic Buildings, Adaptive Reuse, and the Presidio Today28:05 – Famous People, Defining Moments, and Why the Presidio MattersSend a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact: damian@californiafrontier.net

  3. Jul 28

    095: San Francisco Presidio with Archaeologist Kari Jones and Historian Rob Thomson Part 1

    How did a lonely Spanish outpost become one of America's most remarkable historic places? In this episode, I sit down with Rob Thomson, Federal Preservation Officer, and Kari Jones, Chief Archaeologist with the Presidio Trust, to explore the fascinating history of the Presidio of San Francisco—from its founding by Spain in 1776 to its role as the northernmost military outpost in Alta California. Our conversation examines why the Spanish chose this strategic location, what daily life was like for soldiers and settlers on California's frontier, and how archaeology is helping us better understand the people who lived and worked there. We also discuss the Yelamu and other Indigenous communities whose homeland became the Presidio, the challenges of building a fort on San Francisco's windswept dunes, the impact of the 1812 earthquakes, relations with Russian Fort Ross, and the transition from Spanish to Mexican California. Along the way, you'll hear remarkable stories about El Polín Spring, the reconstruction of the Presidio, the surviving adobe buildings and how archaeological discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of early California. Whether you're passionate about California history, archaeology, the Spanish colonial period, or San Francisco itself, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for one of the state's most significant historic sites. 00:17 Introduction to the Presidio of San Francisco 00:26 Commemorating 250 Years of History 01:51 Exploring the Significance of the Presidio 05:09 Understanding the Presidio's Historical Significance 08:05 Life at the Presidio: Early Years and Challenges 10:51 The Impact of Mexican Independence on the Presidio 14:00 Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Insights 17:04 The Evolution of the Presidio: From Spanish to American Control 31:04 New chapter Send a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact: damian@californiafrontier.net

  4. Jun 26

    094: The Wine Tasting That Put California on the Map with Kevin Ferguson, Part 2.

    In Part 2 of this conversation,  Damian Bacich talks with wine historian Kevin Ferguson, descendant of the Gemello Winery family, about the dramatic rise of California wine, the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris, and the family stories that connect Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, and Italian immigrant winemakers.  They also explore how Prohibition, entrepreneurship, and even Bank of America played unexpected roles in California's wine history. Whether you're interested in California history, wine, or remarkable family stories, this episode offers a fascinating look behind one of the state's greatest success stories. Kevin's Substack: https://gemello.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 – A French judge mistakes Napa wine for French 00:49 – California wine's low point in the 1960s 03:41 – From 350 wineries to nearly 4,800 04:11 – The Gemello family's survival and real estate strategy 08:11 – California wines before the Judgment of Paris 10:04 – How the Judgment of Paris came together 14:44 – The shocking tasting results that changed history 15:46 – How the victory inspired a new generation of winemakers 22:26 – Steven Spurrier's remarkable wine shop story 26:06 – Why the Judgment of Paris became California's great underdog story 27:52 – Italian immigrants, Bank of America, and California agriculture 31:46 – Final reflections and Kevin Ferguson's upcoming book Send a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact: damian@californiafrontier.net

  5. Jun 18

    093: The Wine Tasting That Put California on the Map with Kevin Ferguson, Part 1.

    In the first part of my conversation with author Kevin Ferguson, we explore the rich history of California wine, tracing its roots from Italian immigrants through the challenges of Prohibition to the pivotal Judgment of Paris in 1976.   Kevin delves into his family's legacy, highlighting how early 20th-century winemakers navigated legal loopholes and economic shifts to establish California as a leading wine region.  This episode provides insights into the evolution of winemaking practices, the influence of figures like Paul Masson, and the resilience required to thrive in a changing industry.  Join us to understand the historical context and enduring impact of these developments on the global wine landscape. 00:00 - Introduction. 00:31 - California's wine history. 01:32 - Judgment of Paris explained. 02:18 - Kevin's family background. 03:40 - Early winemaking challenges. 05:52 - Paul Masson's influence. 10:09 - Settling in California. 15:12 - Impact of Prohibition. 18:36 - Loopholes in the law. 28:34 - Repeal and resurgence of wineries. Kevin's Substack: https://gemello.substack.com/ Send a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact: damian@californiafrontier.net

  6. May 28

    092: Black Pioneers of Spanish California with Dr. Cameron Jones Part 2

    In part 2 of our interview, we explore the transformative period of US occupation and the subsequent transition to statehood, focusing on the California Constitution drafted in 1849 and ratified in 1850. Dr. Jones provides a deep dive into the cultural and social dynamics of the time, highlighting the contributions and challenges faced by these pioneering communities. We discuss the development of africancalifornios.org, a dedicated platform aimed at preserving and sharing this rich heritage. The conversation also uncovers the intriguing story behind California's name, believed to be inspired by an African queen, Califia, from a historical novel. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the diverse influences that have shaped California's history. To learn more: https://www.africancalifornios.org/home 00:10 Introduction to the Interview 01:12 US Occupation and Statehood 02:47 California Constitution 05:30 Cultural and Social Dynamics 10:30 Project Development: africancalifornios.org 33:52 California's Name Origin Send a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact: damian@californiafrontier.net

  7. May 12

    091: Black Pioneers of Spanish California with Dr. Cameron Jones Part 1

    Historian Cameron Jones joins Damian Bacich for a fascinating conversation about the overlooked African presence in early California. Drawing on mission records, census data, and genealogical research, Jones explores how people of African descent—many arriving from Mexico as soldiers, settlers, and ranchers—helped shape California during the Spanish and Mexican periods. The discussion traces the stories of prominent Californio families such as the Picos, the multicultural origins of Los Angeles, and the complex racial realities of life in frontier California. Jones also explains his groundbreaking digital humanities project, AfricanCalifornios.org, which uses historical records and data science to reconstruct the lives and networks of African-descended Californios. Far from reducing California history to simple categories, this interview reveals a past that was deeply diverse, interconnected, and often misunderstood. It’s an essential conversation for anyone interested in California history, the Spanish Borderlands, genealogy, race and identity, or the hidden stories behind the American West. Topics discussed include: * African-descended Californios and the Spanish missions * The founding families of Los Angeles * Pío Pico and the Pico dynasty * Race, class, and identity in Spanish and Mexican California * The transition from Mexican to U.S. ru * California genealogy and historical memory * The AfricanCalifornios.org project To learn more: https://www.africancalifornios.org/home 0:00 Intro0:23 Show Introduction0:48 About Dr. Cameron Jones & African Californios3:26 How Cameron Got Into This Research7:44 The 1813 Questionnaire: Discovery of African Descent in California10:20 Notable Californio Families of African Descent14:26 The Founders of Los AngelesSend a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact: damian@californiafrontier.net

  8. Mar 26

    090: The Mission Walker Part 2 with author Edie Littlefield Sundby

    In the second half of this interview with Edie Littlefield Sundby (The Mission Walker), she explains why she extended the California Mission Trail beyond San Diego and retraced the original mission route from Loreto, Baja California, to the U.S. border in 2015, after her cancer returned and she was treated with radiation.  Guided by Harry Crosby’s maps and aided by (previous guest) Trudi Angell and local vaqueros, she walked nearly 1,000 GPS miles through roadless desert sierras with pack mules, scarce water, and minimal supplies, encountering both extraordinary hospitality on remote ranchos and increasing danger from narcos and drug routes in northern Baja.  Edie contrasts the wild Jesuit trail with the more accessible Franciscan route in California, reflects on gratitude, trust, and spiritual pilgrimage, discusses the missions’ enduring “spirit” even in ruins, and closes with thoughts on history’s complexity and the California Mission Trail as a pilgrimage people can complete in segments. Purchase The Mission Walker Chapters 00:00 Why Baja Matters 01:21 Transcendence Then Relapse 03:28 Discovering Loreto Origins 05:20 Planning With Trudy 06:41 Keeping It Quiet 07:59 Jesuit Trail Realities 09:54 Launching From Loreto 10:25 Vaqueros And Survival 13:23 Rancho Hospitality Story 16:11 Living History On Ranchos 18:07 Timing The Desert Walk 19:23 Loreto Mission And Spirit 21:07 Jesuit Trail Highlights 23:04 Narcos on the Trail 24:23 Vaquero Protection 26:31 Respect and Trust 28:08 Desert Hunger Lessons 29:11 Water Survival System 30:16 Cactus and Gear 32:14 Shrines and Gratitude 33:19 Finishing the Journey 36:33 Drug Roads Reality 37:59 History Beyond Myths 40:31 Trust Over Fear 41:44 California Camino Dream 42:44 Walking in Segments 43:52 Next Big Adventures 44:55 Books and Farewell 46:57 Support the Show Send a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact: damian@californiafrontier.net

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4.8
out of 5
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About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Damian Bacich, Ph.D.
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The California Frontier Project
  • Show Website
    California Frontier

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