086: The Missions of Baja California with Author David Kier Part 1

In this episode, host Damian Bacich talks with David Kier about his lifelong interest in Baja California and its missions. Kier explains how family trips he took as a child sparked a passion that later led him to make maps, write guidebooks, and become an expert on mission history. He describes when and why the Jesuit, Franciscan, and Dominican missions were founded in Baja California between 1697 and 1849, clears up myths about “lost missions,” and explains how disease and Spanish colonization affected Native peoples. The episode also looks at how the name “California” originally referred to Baja California before spreading north, how control of the region changed from Spain to Mexico, and why Kier believes it is important to study history carefully while staying open to new discoveries. 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

You can listen to 086: The Missions of Baja California with Author David Kier Part 1 online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

086: The Missions of Baja California with Author David Kier Part 1 is an episode from California Frontier by Damian Bacich, Ph.D..

This episode is 35:59 long.

This episode was published on Feb 3, 2026.

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