Exploration
Testing one two three.
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Todavía Estamos Aquí (We are Still Here)
246 years ago a group of some two hundred people arrived at the Presidio of San Francisco after an arduous trek from Tubac in what is today southern Arizona.
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The Spanish Legacy in California and the Mexican War for Independence
This is a special episode of the California Frontier podcast. The shoe is on the other foot this time, and I am the one being interviewed. My host is Jordan Mattox, a California junior high school teacher passionate about California history. He has an excellent podcast appropriately titled “History of California.” In this session, we talk about the Mexican War for Independence, the legacy of Spain in California, colonial policy, and learning languages. I hope you are going to enjoy this conversation . Afterward, head over to History of California Podcast on Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/jordanmattox-99235683) and subscribe. Once again, I want to thank Jordan for giving me this opportunity. I really…
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Native Knowledge in Colonial Latin America: Interview with Ezekiel Stear (Part 2)
As the Spanish Empire become more consolidated, language and writing became more and more important — both for the Spanish government and for native peoples. In part 2 of this interview we learn how indigenous people in Colonial Spanish America preserved their knowledge in the face of restrictive government policies. Listen to Part 1 Highlights of Part 2 To Learn More Books Websites Listen to all podcast episodes
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Land Grants in Alta California
The story of land ownership in modern California begins with the practice of Spanish land grants. Beginning in the 18th century, Spain allowed farming and ranching by private individuals in California. In the 19th century the Mexican government continued and expanded the program. Land Laws in Spain The laws and customs about who could own land and how it could be used in Alta California originated in medieval Spain. The most important medieval law code was called the Siete Partidas or “Seven Chapters,” by King Alfonso X of Castile (1221–1284). Alfonso was known as El Sabio or “The Wise,” because not only did he write laws, but he ordered the translation of works of…
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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.
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How Did California Get its Name? You Might be Surprised
The name “California” comes from a 16th century Spanish novel that involves a warrior queen named Calafia. But the name also has much deeper roots that connect North African pirates and a medieval epic poem.
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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 contact with the Native American inhabitants of the coast and Channel Islands. The account that he and his men wrote about their voyage was the also first written description of the west coast of North America and its peoples. Where was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo born? Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was born around the year 1500, but…
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Grit and Grace on the Golden Gate: The Unforgettable Juana Briones
Juana Briones lived in Spanish, Mexican and U.S. California and she left her mark on all three. Now she is receiving the attention she deserves.
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The Anza Expedition of 1775-76: Members and Their Families
In January of 1776, Juan Bautista de Anza arrived in Alta California with just over 200 men, women and children from Tubac in today’s Arizona.
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Settlers on the California Frontier (Part 2): The Californios
What type of culture developed among settlers in Alta California? What did they call themselves? How did they live under Mexico and Spain? And how did they respond to American rule?
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Settlers on the California Frontier (Part 1)
Who settled California? What was their life like? What were the first towns?
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Soldiers and Presidios in Alta California (with video)
Who were the soldiers that came to Alta California? What was their life like? What were the presidios, and what was their role on the frontier?
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Podcast Episode 002 — “You Have to Carry This On”: What it Means to Be a Californio
In this episode, I speak with Greg Bernal-Mendoza Smestad, a direct descendant of the families who settled Alta California over 200 years ago. Greg talks to us about their journey, the character of those people who risked their lives to come to come north, and the legacy they passed on.
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Beyond Clichés
Recently I began recording a series of interviews for a new podcast I will be launching as part of California Frontier. For one of the first interviews, I had the pleasure of visiting Greg Bernal Smestad. Greg has made it his mission to preserve and maintain the heritage his ancestors, who came to California with the Anza expedition in the 1770s.
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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?
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Happy Birthday San José
San José, California is the oldest city on the West Coast. In November it celebrates its birthday.
