This is a special episode of the California Frontier podcast. The shoe is on the other foot this time, and I am the one being interviewed. My host is Jordan Mattox, a California junior high school teacher who his passionate about California history.

The story of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island was made famous by Scott ODells novel The Island of the Blue Dolphins. In this episode of the podcast, we learn more about her real life with archeo

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.

As the Spanish Empire become more consolidated, language and writing became more and more important both for the Spanish government and for native peoples. In part 2 of this interview we learn how i

The story of the Spanish missions in California has its roots in 16th century Mexico. There, Franciscan friars and their native partners sought to record the memories of Aztec elders before their culture was changed forever.

In this second part of the interview we learn about what studying economic history can reveal about the past. In particular, we learn about Californias early connections to the Far East, and how comp

The story of the Spanish missions in California isnt always what it seems. By delving into Mexicos National Archives, Dr. Marie Christine Duggan uncovered facts that provide a unique inside view of

The story of land ownership in modern California begins with the practice of Spanish land grants. Beginning in the 18th century, Spain allowed farming and ranching by private individuals in California. In the 19th century the Mexican government continu...

Why did Spanish Explorers Come to California? Spanish mariners began exploring the Pacific coast of North America in the early 16th century in hopes of finding new civilizations to join their empire. It was a time when powers such as Spain, England,

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. What Does “California” Mean?