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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In Part 2 of my interview with archaeologist Richard Carrico, our conversation delves into the significant archaeological findings at the Presidio, revealing insights into its history, architecture, and the lives of its inhabitants.

Richard comments on the culinary practices of the time, leisure activities, and the transition from the Presidio to Old Town San Diego. The discussion also covers crime and punishment within the Presidio, the legal rights of Native Americans, and the broader implications of these historical narratives for contemporary readers.

Purchase Richard's book: El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City

00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work
01:08 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological Insights
07:33 Culinary Traditions at the Presidio
09:28 Authentic Culinary Traditions
12:09 Leisure and Games in Historical Context
15:43 The Evolution of Old Town
21:00 Crime and Punishment at the Presidio
32:53 Understanding the Reader's Perspective

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damian@californiafrontier.net

In this conversation, I interview archaeologist Richard Carrico, an expert on the Presidio of San Diego, discussing its historical significance, the need for accessible literature on the subject, and the cultural heritage of the Kumeyaay people.

Carrico shares insights from his new book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City. In it, Richard emphasizes the importance of the Presidio in California's history and the challenges it faces in terms of preservation and public awareness.

00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work
02:08 The Significance of the Presidio of San Diego
04:29 The Need for a Comprehensive Book on the Presidio
06:59 The Current State of the Presidio Site
12:30 Historical Occupation of the Presidio
18:00 Demographics and Community at the Presidio
23:08 The Origin and Meaning of 'Presidio'
25:35 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological Insights

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In this episode, we delve into the second half of an interview with Tom Prezelski, author of Californio Lancers: The First Battalion of Native Cavalry in the Far West.

The discussion covers the period post-Civil War, focusing on the unit's deployment to Arizona and the numerous challenges they faced, including malaria, desertion, and campaigns against the Apaches and French imperialists in Northern Mexico.

We explore figures like Salvador Vallejo, Captain Pico, and Colonel Ronstadt, as well as the diverse backgrounds of the unit's soldiers and their complex motivations for joining.

The episode provides a comprehensive look at the battalion's legacy and traces the intersections of various historical threads in the American Southwest during the 1860s.

00:00 Introduction to the Interview
01:25 Deployment to Arizona and Challenges
02:59 Campaigns Against the Apaches and French Imperialists
04:58 Health Issues and Desertion
06:36 Confrontations and Leadership Dynamics
15:34 Recruitment and Composition of the Unit
21:50 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
31:12 Uniforms and Disbandment
35:11 Legacy and Memorials
37:40 Conclusion and Future Projects

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In this episode, I talk with author Tom Prezelski about his book The Californio Lancers: The 1st Battalion of Native Cavalry in the Far West, 1863–1866.

Together, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of the First Battalion of Native Cavalry in California during the Civil War.

Learn how these Californios (Mexican Californians) came together to form a unique unit that played a crucial role in both Union efforts and frontier defense from 1863 to 1866.

Tom shares personal anecdotes and historical insights on the battalion's formation, the use of lances, and their deployment to Arizona and Sonora.

This episode ties together the cultural, political, and social dynamics of the American West and Civil War history.

00:00 Introduction to the California Lancers

01:32 Meet the Author: Tom Prezelski

01:59 Tom's Background and Inspiration

03:19 Discovering the California Lancers

08:49 The Formation of the Native Cavalry

10:30 Challenges and Recruitment

14:19 The Unique Use of Lances

26:56 Deployment and Duties

29:49 Controversies and Legal Issues

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Join us as we conclude our interview with ethnohistorian April Farnham, delving into the lives and contributions of mixed Spanish and indigenous families in Northern California during the late 18th and 19th centuries.

From the Anza Expedition to the intricate social fabrics of families like the Juarez and Carillo, we explore matrimonial investigations, multicultural interactions, and the significant roles of women in preserving and merging diverse cultures.

Discover how these early settlers shaped the cultural and historical landscape of California, specifically in the areas surrounding San Francisco Bay, Napa, and Sonoma.

Don't miss out on learning new historical revelations and the ongoing efforts to uncover more about California's rich heritage.

00:00 Introduction to the Interview with April Farham
01:52 Exploring Matrimonial Investigations
04:08 Connections to the Anza Expedition
05:22 The Carillo Family Lineage
07:32 Multilingual Influences and Relationships
14:23 Research Directions and Future Projects
23:55 The Role of Women in Preserving Culture
30:16 Events and Activities at Sonoma State Historic Park
32:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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damian@californiafrontier.net

In this episode, I interview April Farham, who shares her fascinating work on the lives of early California settlers, specifically indigenous and Mestiza women. April discusses her personal journey into historical research that focuses on California's frontier in the 18th and 19th centuries. She elaborates on her work at the Maidu Indian Museum and her passion for unraveling the stories behind the extensive basket collections and their connection to indigenous women. The conversation also touches on the genealogical and historical intersections revealed through archival research and the impact of mixed ancestry on California's cultural landscape.

00:00 Introduction to the Interview with April Farham
02:14 April's Background and Early Career
06:54 Exploring the State Indian Museum Collections
12:07 Graduate Studies and Research Focus Shift
19:37 Discovering the Juarez Family History
32:45 Ethnohistorical Research and Archival Work

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damian@californiafrontier.net

Exploring Historical Illustrations and California's Cultural Heritage with David W. Rickman

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In the final installment of this interview series, historian and illustrator David W. Rickman delves into the history of Russians on Northern California's coast, his contributions to national and state parks, collaborations with the Smithsonian Institution, and his esteemed Sutter's Fort Costume Manual.

David also discusses his forthcoming book on clothing and material culture in the American West, 'Where Worlds Met.'

Throughout the conversation, Rickman highlights his endeavors in historical illustration, including his projects for Alviso Adobe, Fort Ross, and other national parks.

David reflects on nearly participating in a Hollywood Zorro series, emphasizing the importance and challenges of historical accuracy in visual storytelling. The episode is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, offering rich insights into the cultural tapestry of early California and the American West.

00:00 Introduction to the Final Interview with David W. Rickman
01:01 David's Work in National and State Parks
05:27 Sutter's Fort Costume Manual and Upcoming Book
07:25 Challenges and Insights in Historical Costume Research
15:51 Illustrations and Projects for National Park Service
20:40 Hollywood and Historical Authenticity
24:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

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damian@californiafrontier.net