Join host Damian Bacich and guest Eric Plunkett as they dive into the fascinating early maritime history of California. Eric Plunkett is a historian based in San Juan Capistrano specializing in early California exploration and indigenous history. In Part 1, Plunkett reveals surprising details about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s 1542 expedition, including his connection to Cortez and […]
“Follow the Money”: Interview with Marie Christine Duggan (Part 2)
In this second part of the interview we learn about what studying economic history can reveal about the past. In particular, we learn about California’s early connections to the Far East, and how competition over the fur trade created some unusual rivalries and alliances. Highlights of Part 2: Listen to Part 1 of this interview. […]
Early Exploration of California (Part 1 of 2)
Why did Spanish Explorers Come to California? Spanish mariners began exploring the Pacific coast of North America in the early 16th century in hopes of finding new civilizations to join their empire.
Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo
What did Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo do and why is he important? 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 […]
Exploration and Settlement of California (Part 2 of 2)
For most of the 17th and 18th centuries, Spanish ships dominated the Pacific. But her rivals Russia and England were busy contesting that dominance. Who would be the first to settle California?