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081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1 artwork
Society & Culture

081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1

California Frontier by Damian Bacich, Ph.D.

Oct 14, 202533:02Society & Culture

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...

About This Episode

081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1 is an episode from California Frontier by Damian Bacich, Ph.D.. In this episode, I talk with author Tom Prezelski about his book The Californio Lancers: The 1st Battalion o...

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Episode Details

Published Oct 14, 2025, 33:02 long, audio available.

Questions About This Episode

What is 081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1 about?

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 Send a Comment. Support the show Give a one-time donation Learn more about the California Frontier Project: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Contact: damian@californiafrontier.net

Where can I listen to 081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1?

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Which podcast is 081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1 from?

081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1 is an episode from California Frontier by Damian Bacich, Ph.D..

How long is this episode?

This episode is 33:02 long.

When was this episode published?

This episode was published on Oct 14, 2025.

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Are there related episodes from California Frontier?

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Where can I listen to 081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1?

You can listen to 081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1 on this page when the episode audio is available from the podcast feed.

Which podcast is this episode from?

081: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 1 is from California Frontier by Damian Bacich, Ph.D..

What are the episode details?

Published Oct 14, 2025 and 33:02 long