The California Frontier Project

  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Teacher Membership
  • Podcast
  • Shop/Support
    • Books
    • T-shirts/mugs

How did California Get its Name? You Might be Surprised

By Damian Bacich

How did California Get its Name

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.

Filed Under: Podcast Episodes, Spanish Exploration and Colonization Tagged With: Calafia, California, Cervantes, Don Quixote, Song of Roland

Mission San Antonio de Pala: Why You Need to Visit

By Damian Bacich

San Antonio de Pala, founded in 1816 as an asistencia (branch) of San Luis Rey, is a living Native American community and an important destination on your next visit to San Diego.

Filed Under: California Indians, Field Trips, Spanish Missions Tagged With: California, California Indians (Standard 1), LuiseƱo, Native Americans, Pablo Tac, Peyri, San Diego

I’m Dr. Damian Bacich, and I started the California Frontier Project. Learn more about me and the project here.

Teaching Materials for the Whole Year

Alta California Tees and More

Alta California T-shirt

Copyright © 2023 · Damian Bacich