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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…
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Routes to Mexican California
In the early decades of the nineteenth century, growing numbers of people came to Alta California. The routes they took and the…
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“The Americanos Played for Keeps”
In his memoirs about life in rancho era California, José Jesús López describes how his father joined the "California Army."
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The Castaway of Whalers Cove
After coming to Mexican California in 1822 on a whaling ship, Englishman William Richardson decided to stay.
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Origins of Mexican Independence Part 3: Breaking Away
With a foreign occupier in control of Spain and the royal family in exile in France, people in the Spanish territories in…
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Origins of Mexican Independence: Part 2 of a Series
With a French family on the Spanish throne, two events had an irreversible effect on Spain’s relationship with her colonies.
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The Castro Adobe: A Californio Landmark Restored
If you want to see a precious California landmark in the process of being saved for future generations, mark your calendar to…
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Mission San Juan Bautista Facts
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Origins of Mexican Independence (Part 1)
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Junípero Serra’s Mallorca: Where it All Began
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California Frontier Glossary: Vocabulary Words of the Mission and Presidio Era
Many words used to describe people and objects in Alta California are unfamiliar to us today.
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Serra Statues: Don’t Tear Down, Build Up
Junípero Serra’s statues are being defaced. Government institutions are seeking to remove his name from public monuments. All in the name…
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Governors of Alta California
At the very beginning of the Spanish occupation of Alta California and until 1777, the governors were military commanders. Until 1804, governors…
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Saving Our Stories
A few nights ago I attended a community meeting aimed at designating my county as a National Heritage Area. Throughout the United…
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“The Spirit Within Saint Junípero”: A Book of Stunning Photos
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A Hidden Gem: Ulistac Natural Area (Video)
Once a Native American settlement and later a rancho, Ulistac Natural Area is now a great place for a kid-friendly day hike…
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¡Siempre Adelante! Junípero Serra Goes to New York
A new exhibit on the life of Junípero Serra made its New York debut in. It tells the story of the missionary…
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Happy Birthday Junipero Serra
Junipero Serra was born Miguel José Serra on November 24, 1713, in the town of Petra on the island of Mallorca, Spain, 302 years…
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Five Tips for Teaching Kids about the California Missions
Fourth grade is the first and last time most people learn anything about the mission period in California. In case you don’t know,…
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Junipero Serra Video Clarifies Some Misconceptions
The Academy of American Franciscan History has released a new video documentary on Junipero Serra, Introducing Junipero Serra: The Newest Saint. This video does…
