085: A Gold Rush Family Saga with author Craig S. Harwood

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 today Chapters 00:00 Introduction to California History and Bridget's Gambit 03:00 The Author's Background and Connection to Bridget 05:51 Bridget Evoy's Early Life in Ireland 08:40 Bridget's Journey to America and Challenges Faced 11:41 The Gold Rush Catalyst and Family Decisions 14:41 The Overland Journey and Leadership in Crisis 18:54 Exploiting Opportunities During the Gold Rush 22:11 The Family's Strategic Business Moves 25:40 Navigating Dangers in a Male-Dominated Society 31:52 Facing Tragedy with Resilience 35:12 Legacy of Tenacity and Business Acumen 38:30 Faith and Philanthropy in the Family 42:08 Researching the Past: A Detective Story 42:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication 43:33 Crafting a Compelling Narrative 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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085: A Gold Rush Family Saga with author Craig S. Harwood is an episode from California Frontier by Damian Bacich, Ph.D..

This episode is 58:12 long.

This episode was published on Nov 20, 2025.

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