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

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

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

This episode is 33:02 long.

This episode was published on Oct 14, 2025.

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