095: San Francisco Presidio with Archaeologist Kari Jones and Historian Rob Thomson Part 1

How did a lonely Spanish outpost become one of America's most remarkable historic places?

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Thomson, Federal Preservation Officer, and Kari Jones, Chief Archaeologist with the Presidio Trust, to explore the fascinating history of the Presidio of San Francisco—from its founding by Spain in 1776 to its role as the northernmost military outpost in Alta California.

Our conversation examines why the Spanish chose this strategic location, what daily life was like for soldiers and settlers on California's frontier, and how archaeology is helping us better understand the people who lived and worked there. We also discuss the Yelamu and other Indigenous communities whose homeland became the Presidio, the challenges of building a fort on San Francisco's windswept dunes, the impact of the 1812 earthquakes, relations with Russian Fort Ross, and the transition from Spanish to Mexican California.

Along the way, you'll hear remarkable stories about El Polín Spring, the reconstruction of the Presidio, the surviving adobe buildings and how archaeological discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of early California.

Whether you're passionate about California history, archaeology, the Spanish colonial period, or San Francisco itself, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for one of the state's most significant historic sites.

00:17 Introduction to the Presidio of San Francisco
00:26 Commemorating 250 Years of History
01:51 Exploring the Significance of the Presidio
05:09 Understanding the Presidio's Historical Significance
08:05 Life at the Presidio: Early Years and Challenges
10:51 The Impact of Mexican Independence on the Presidio
14:00 Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Insights
17:04 The Evolution of the Presidio: From Spanish to American Control
31:04 New chapter