082: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 2

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 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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082: California's Forgotten Soldiers: The Californio Lancers Part 2 is an episode from California Frontier by Damian Bacich, Ph.D..

This episode is 40:08 long.

This episode was published on Oct 21, 2025.

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