In part two of this interview, Damian Bacich continues his conversation with David Kier, who shares stories from his travels to the Baja California missions and explains some of the legends people tell about “lost missions” and hidden treasures. David describes what the missions look like today—some are still standing and even used for church services, while others are in ruins because of weather and time. He also talks about other historians and writers who inspired his work and gives helpful advice for people who want to visit Baja California, including tips about safety, transportation, insurance, and travel documents. David encourages listeners to see Baja California as an important part of California’s history and to appreciate its culture, landscapes, and historic landmarks.

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In this episode, host Damian Bacich talks with David Kier about his lifelong interest in Baja California and its missions.

Kier explains how family trips he took as a child sparked a passion that later led him to make maps, write guidebooks, and become an expert on mission history. He describes when and why the Jesuit, Franciscan, and Dominican missions were founded in Baja California between 1697 and 1849, clears up myths about “lost missions,” and explains how disease and Spanish colonization affected Native peoples.

The episode also looks at how the name “California” originally referred to Baja California before spreading north, how control of the region changed from Spain to Mexico, and why Kier believes it is important to study history carefully while staying open to new discoveries.

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Today, I'm honored to speak with Craig S. Harwood, author of Bridget's Gambit, a captivating saga of family enterprise during the California Gold Rush. This really interesting book, coming out soon, tells a fascinating story of early California and its impact on American history. Craig shares insights about the gold mining and gold hunting in the region, his personal connection to the narrative, and what he discovered while writing this important piece of history.
We explore the life of Bridget Evoy, a remarkable figure in California's Gold Rush history.
The discussion highlights Bridget's leadership and resilience, as well as the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society during the Victorian era. We also cover Bridget's role in the development of the city of Oakland during the Gold Rush era, her resilience in the face of personal tragedy, her family's legacy, and the impact of their Catholic faith. The conversation also highlights the challenges and triumphs of women during this period, the writing process behind documenting Bridget's story, and the misconceptions surrounding women's roles in the Gold Rush. Craig also shares insights from his research and the importance of storytelling in preserving history.

Pre-order Bridget's Gambit today

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to California History and Bridget's Gambit
03:00 The Author's Background and Connection to Bridget
05:51 Bridget Evoy's Early Life in Ireland
08:40 Bridget's Journey to America and Challenges Faced
11:41 The Gold Rush Catalyst and Family Decisions
14:41 The Overland Journey and Leadership in Crisis
18:54 Exploiting Opportunities During the Gold Rush
22:11 The Family's Strategic Business Moves
25:40 Navigating Dangers in a Male-Dominated Society
31:52 Facing Tragedy with Resilience
35:12 Legacy of Tenacity and Business Acumen
38:30 Faith and Philanthropy in the Family
42:08 Researching the Past: A Detective Story
42:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication
43:33 Crafting a Compelling Narrative

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damian@californiafrontier.net