California Frontier

Damian Bacich, Ph.D.
  • 4.8 (25)
  • HISTORY
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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. 18H AGO

    088: The Portolá Expedition and the Discovery of the San Francisco Bay

    In 1769, Spain feared it was about to lose the Pacific coast. Russian traders were moving south from Alaska, British naval power was rising, and Spain had no permanent settlements north of Baja California. In response, imperial officials launched a land-and-sea operation known as the Sacred Expedition — a march that would found San Diego, search for the lost harbor of Monterey, and lead a small overland party to the first recorded European sighting of San Francisco Bay. The Portolá Expedition (1769–1770) was the first Spanish overland exploration of coastal Alta California, organized to secure Spain’s claim against rival empires. Led by Gaspar de Portolá and supported by Fr. Junípero Serra and José de Gálvez, the expedition established San Diego, attempted to locate Monterey Bay, and instead made the first documented European discovery of San Francisco Bay. These journeys laid the foundation for Spain’s missions and presidios in California. 0:00 -- Introduction 0:32 — Why Spain Moved into Alta California (Manila Galleon & Empire Strategy) 3:10 — Russian Expansion Threatens Spanish California 6:30 — José de Gálvez’s Plan: Missions and Presidios in Alta California 9:40 — The 1769 Portolá Expedition Begins 13:10 — Founding San Diego: First Mission and Presidio 16:40 — Why the Expedition Missed Monterey 19:50 — The European “Discovery” of San Francisco Bay (1769) 22:40 — The Return South and Near Failure 24:30 — 1770: Founding Monterey and Securing Spanish California References:  Herbert Eugene Bolton, Fray Juan Crespi, Missionary Explorer on the Pacific Coast, 1769-1774Phil Brigandi and Eric Plunkett, The Portolá Expedition in Orange CountyHarry W. Crosby, Gateway to Alta California: The Expedition to San Diego, 1769Iris Engstrand and Donald Cutter, Quest for Empire: Spanish Settlement in the SouthwestIris Engstrand, “The Occupation of the Port of San Diego de Alcalá, 1769.”Robert Kirsch and William S. Murphy, West of the West. Witnesses to the California Experience, 1542-1906.Richard Pourade, The History of San Diego: Vol. II: The Explorers, 1492-1774. 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

    28 min

  2. FEB 10

    087: Exploring Baja California with Author David Kier Part 2

    In part two of this interview, Damian Bacich continues his conversation with David Kier, who shares stories from his travels to the Baja California missions and explains some of the legends people tell about “lost missions” and hidden treasures. David describes what the missions look like today—some are still standing and even used for church services, while others are in ruins because of weather and time. He also talks about other historians and writers who inspired his work and gives helpful advice for people who want to visit Baja California, including tips about safety, transportation, insurance, and travel documents. David encourages listeners to see Baja California as an important part of California’s history and to appreciate its culture, landscapes, and historic landmarks. 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

    33 min

  3. FEB 3

    086: The Missions of Baja California with Author David Kier Part 1

    In this episode, host Damian Bacich talks with David Kier about his lifelong interest in Baja California and its missions.  Kier explains how family trips he took as a child sparked a passion that later led him to make maps, write guidebooks, and become an expert on mission history. He describes when and why the Jesuit, Franciscan, and Dominican missions were founded in Baja California between 1697 and 1849, clears up myths about “lost missions,” and explains how disease and Spanish colonization affected Native peoples.  The episode also looks at how the name “California” originally referred to Baja California before spreading north, how control of the region changed from Spain to Mexico, and why Kier believes it is important to study history carefully while staying open to new discoveries. 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

    36 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    085: A Gold Rush Family Saga with author Craig S. Harwood

    Today, I'm honored to speak with Craig S. Harwood, author of Bridget's Gambit, a captivating saga of family enterprise during the California Gold Rush. This really interesting book, coming out soon, tells a fascinating story of early California and its impact on American history. Craig shares insights about the gold mining and gold hunting in the region, his personal connection to the narrative, and what he discovered while writing this important piece of history. We explore the life of Bridget Evoy, a remarkable figure in California's Gold Rush history. The discussion highlights Bridget's leadership and resilience, as well as the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society during the Victorian era. We also cover Bridget's role in the development of the city of Oakland during the Gold Rush era, her resilience in the face of personal tragedy, her family's legacy, and the impact of their Catholic faith. The conversation also highlights the challenges and triumphs of women during this period, the writing process behind documenting Bridget's story, and the misconceptions surrounding women's roles in the Gold Rush. Craig also shares insights from his research and the importance of storytelling in preserving history. Pre-order Bridget's Gambit today Chapters 00:00 Introduction to California History and Bridget's Gambit 03:00 The Author's Background and Connection to Bridget 05:51 Bridget Evoy's Early Life in Ireland 08:40 Bridget's Journey to America and Challenges Faced 11:41 The Gold Rush Catalyst and Family Decisions 14:41 The Overland Journey and Leadership in Crisis 18:54 Exploiting Opportunities During the Gold Rush 22:11 The Family's Strategic Business Moves 25:40 Navigating Dangers in a Male-Dominated Society 31:52 Facing Tragedy with Resilience 35:12 Legacy of Tenacity and Business Acumen 38:30 Faith and Philanthropy in the Family 42:08 Researching the Past: A Detective Story 42:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication 43:33 Crafting a Compelling Narrative 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

    58 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    084: San Diego's Lost City with Author Richard Carrico Part 2

    In Part 2 of my interview with archaeologist Richard Carrico, our conversation delves into the significant archaeological findings at the Presidio, revealing insights into its history, architecture, and the lives of its inhabitants.  Richard comments on the culinary practices of the time, leisure activities, and the transition from the Presidio to Old Town San Diego. The discussion also covers crime and punishment within the Presidio, the legal rights of Native Americans, and the broader implications of these historical narratives for contemporary readers. Purchase Richard's book: El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City 00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work 01:08 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological Insights 07:33 Culinary Traditions at the Presidio 09:28 Authentic Culinary Traditions 12:09 Leisure and Games in Historical Context 15:43 The Evolution of Old Town 21:00 Crime and Punishment at the Presidio 32:53 Understanding the Reader's Perspective 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

    44 min

  6. 10/30/2025

    083: San Diego's Lost City with Author Richard Carrico Part 1

    In this conversation, I interview archaeologist Richard Carrico, an expert on the Presidio of San Diego, discussing its historical significance, the need for accessible literature on the subject, and the cultural heritage of the Kumeyaay people.  Carrico shares insights from his new book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City. In it, Richard emphasizes the importance of the Presidio in California's history and the challenges it faces in terms of preservation and public awareness. 00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work 02:08 The Significance of the Presidio of San Diego 04:29 The Need for a Comprehensive Book on the Presidio 06:59 The Current State of the Presidio Site 12:30 Historical Occupation of the Presidio 18:00 Demographics and Community at the Presidio 23:08 The Origin and Meaning of 'Presidio' 25:35 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological Insights 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

    28 min

  7. 10/21/2025

    082: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 2

    In this episode, we delve into the second half of an interview with Tom Prezelski, author of Californio Lancers: The First Battalion of Native Cavalry in the Far West.  The discussion covers the period post-Civil War, focusing on the unit's deployment to Arizona and the numerous challenges they faced, including malaria, desertion, and campaigns against the Apaches and French imperialists in Northern Mexico.  We explore figures like Salvador Vallejo, Captain Pico, and Colonel Ronstadt, as well as the diverse backgrounds of the unit's soldiers and their complex motivations for joining.  The episode provides a comprehensive look at the battalion's legacy and traces the intersections of various historical threads in the American Southwest during the 1860s. 00:00 Introduction to the Interview 01:25 Deployment to Arizona and Challenges 02:59 Campaigns Against the Apaches and French Imperialists 04:58 Health Issues and Desertion 06:36 Confrontations and Leadership Dynamics 15:34 Recruitment and Composition of the Unit 21:50 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity 31:12 Uniforms and Disbandment 35:11 Legacy and Memorials 37:40 Conclusion and Future Projects 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

    40 min

  8. 10/14/2025

    081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1

    In this episode, I talk with author Tom Prezelski about his book The Californio Lancers: The 1st Battalion of Native Cavalry in the Far West, 1863–1866.  Together, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of the First Battalion of Native Cavalry in California during the Civil War.  Learn how these Californios (Mexican Californians) came together to form a unique unit that played a crucial role in both Union efforts and frontier defense from 1863 to 1866.  Tom shares personal anecdotes and historical insights on the battalion's formation, the use of lances, and their deployment to Arizona and Sonora.  This episode ties together the cultural, political, and social dynamics of the American West and Civil War history. 00:00 Introduction to the California Lancers 01:32 Meet the Author: Tom Prezelski 01:59 Tom's Background and Inspiration 03:19 Discovering the California Lancers 08:49 The Formation of the Native Cavalry 10:30 Challenges and Recruitment 14:19 The Unique Use of Lances 26:56 Deployment and Duties 29:49 Controversies and Legal Issues 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

    33 min
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4.8
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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
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The California Frontier Project
  • Show Website
    California Frontier

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