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Juan Bautista de Anza: Son of the Frontier
Juan Bautista de Anza was a military officer, governor, explorer and diplomat. His life had an enormous impact on the history of…
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Native Vaqueros in Alta California
Vaqueros were the most important workers in the mission and rancho eras. And some of the first vaqueros were Native American. Learn…
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Indian Life at Mission Santa Cruz
What was daily life like for Native Americans at Mission Santa Cruz? What did they eat? What jobs did they do? An…
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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…
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The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island: Interview with Elisabeth Rareshide
The story of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island was made famous by Scott O’Dell’s novel The Island of the Blue…
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California Missions: 50 Interesting Facts
The California missions are home to fascinating stories and interesting facts. The following is a list 50 things you might not know…
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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…
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Aztec Memories and the Florentine Codex: Interview with Ezekiel Stear (Part 1)
The story of the Spanish missions in California has its roots in 16th century Mexico. There, Franciscan friars and their native partners…
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Indian Life at Mission San Gabriel Arcángel
What was daily life like for Native Americans at Mission San Gabriel Arcángel? What did they eat? What jobs did they do?…
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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…
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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…
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How Did California Get its Name? You Might be Surprised
Before it was a state, a Gold Rush destination, or even a Spanish colony, California was a fictional island ruled by a…
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The Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War (or the U.S. – Mexico War) was the conflict that took place between 1846 and 1848 and caused Mexico…
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The Kumeyaay People
The Kumeyaay are indigenous people who live on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, in southwestern California and northwestern Baja California. They traditionally…
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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…
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Ranchos in California: The Spanish and Mexican Eras
For many years ranchos defined the early California lifestyle. Their impact remains with us today.
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9 Ways the Missions Impacted California
How did the Missions Affect California? Much of the culture of California has its roots in the history of the Spanish missions.…
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Native American Life at Mission San Diego de Alcalá
What was daily life like for Native Americans at Mission San Diego de Alcalá? What did they eat? What jobs did they…
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Why Did Native Americans Come to the California Missions?
Native Americans came to the California missions for a variety of reasons. Some of these were: protection from their enemies, access to…
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How Did the California Missions End?
The California missions ended after Mexico became independent of Spain. The newly independent Mexican government passed laws that called for an end…
