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An Epic Journey Through Time: The Story of “La Récua”

By Damian Bacich

In this episode of the California Frontier Podcast, I interview Trudi Angell, producer of the documentary film La Récua (The Mule Pack Train). La Récua follows the story of Dario Higuera, a 70-year-old Baja California ranchero, who dreams of recreating an early-20th-century mule train transporting traditional goods from Comondú to La Paz in southern Baja […]

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Baja California, Californios, Vaqueros

Native Vaqueros in Alta California

By Damian Bacich

Native Vaqueros on the California Frontier

Vaqueros were the most important workers in the mission and rancho eras. And some of the first vaqueros were Native American. Learn more about these unique figures on the California frontier. What Does “Vaquero” Mean? The word vaquero is usually translated as “cowboy” in English and literally means “someone in charge of cows.” It also […]

Filed Under: Mexican California, Missions, Native American Life, Podcast Tagged With: horses, Ranchos, soldados, Vaqueros

Missions and Misconceptions: Interview with Marie Christine Duggan (Part 1)

By Damian Bacich

The story of the Spanish missions in California isn’t always what it seems. By delving into Mexico’s National Archives, Dr. Marie Christine Duggan uncovered facts that provide a unique inside view of mission life. From murder trials to Indian militias, we talk about some of the lesser-known aspects of California mission history. Marie Christine Duggan […]

Filed Under: Missions, Native American Life, Podcast Tagged With: Blacksmiths, Chumash, Militias, Vaqueros

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

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