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California FrontierAuthor: Damian Bacich, Ph.D.
Prof. Damian Bacich shares the history you didn't learn in school. Each episode is a deep dive into the fascinating early history of California and the West. Listen to stories and interviews with scholars, experts, and people who are passionate about a time when California was the frontier of empire and imagination. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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085: A Gold Rush Family Saga with author Craig S. Harwood
Thursday, 20 November, 2025
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 todayChapters00:00 Introduction to California History and Bridget's Gambit03:00 The Author's Background and Connection to Bridget05:51 Bridget Evoy's Early Life in Ireland08:40 Bridget's Journey to America and Challenges Faced11:41 The Gold Rush Catalyst and Family Decisions14:41 The Overland Journey and Leadership in Crisis18:54 Exploiting Opportunities During the Gold Rush22:11 The Family's Strategic Business Moves25:40 Navigating Dangers in a Male-Dominated Society31:52 Facing Tragedy with Resilience35:12 Legacy of Tenacity and Business Acumen38:30 Faith and Philanthropy in the Family42:08 Researching the Past: A Detective Story42:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication43:33 Crafting a Compelling NarrativeSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact:damian@californiafrontier.net
