Early California Resource Center

  • About
  • Articles
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Curriculum
  • Resources
    • Maps
    • Other Resources
  • Shop/Support
    • California History Lesson Plans
    • Support the Podcast
    • Books
    • T-shirts/mugs

The Levitating Cross at Monterey and the Beginnings of California

By Damian Bacich

The California frontier is full of reports of the marvelous or miraculous events that defy scientific explanation. Historian Skyler Reidy has been investigating curious stories of the mission era, and he helps us make sense of them. Skyler Reidy Skyler Reidy is a PhD candidate in the history department at the University of Southern California. […]

Filed Under: Missions, Podcast Tagged With: Crespí, Junipero Serra, Mission San Antonio de Padua, Monterey, Portolá

Ranchos in California: The Spanish and Mexican Eras

By Damian Bacich

For many years ranchos defined the early California lifestyle. Their impact remains with us today.

Filed Under: Mexican California Tagged With: Andrés Pico, Domínguez, Gen. Mariano G. Vallejo, Monterey, Pío Pico, Rancho Camulos, Vaqueros

Soldiers and Presidios in Alta California (with video)

By Damian Bacich

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?

Filed Under: Exploration, Settlement Tagged With: Anza, leatherjacket, Military, Monterey, Presidios, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, solados de cuera, Soldiers, Sonoma

Teaching Materials for the Whole Year

California History Teachers

Alta California Tees and More

Alta California T-shirt

Affiliate disclosure

The California Frontier Project is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as other programs.  Affiliate advertising programs like the Amazon Associates Program are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other retailers.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 · Damian Bacich

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Use of Artwork
  • Disclaimers