Tejon Ranch History podcast: Recent Episodes
Tejon Ranch
That’s a wrap for Season 3!
Our deep dive into the history of the founder of Tejon Ranch, Edward Fitzgerald Beale, concludes with this episode. But don’t fret, we’ll revisit his story in a later season.
Stay tuned for next season as we turn our attention to another fascinating and perhaps unknown part of the Ranch’s deep and interesting history.
In Episode 16 (our second to last episode of Season 3!) Beale continues working and partnering with the native Americans in California.
As he travels to the Colorado River as part of his plan, he’s once again urgently called back to Washington, DC and soon finds himself sailing on The Golden Gate through Panama.
In this episode, Beale unveils a plan to help the native Americans in California, all the way from the north to Tejon and down into Southern California—including asking Congress for $500,000 to support his endeavors.
In episode 14, as Beale hunkers down in downtown San Francisco, his new role brings new opportunities, critics, and some rough bumps along the way including a suggestion from a rival that his post be replaced by a member of the (now long-gone) Whig Party.
Listen in to learn more!
In our newest episode, Edward Beale continues to travel and receives a coveted, important position in the federal government - a role he was well suited for and one that would shape his career.
Listen in and find out what that role was and how it shaped California's history.
Edward Beale has been busy!
Traveling between California and DC (that was not a very easy journey back in the mid-1800s), he was on the move for official business and sometimes personal business.
During this time period, Beale made important friends, some with the power to help promote him and his political career.
In this episode, Beale finds himself in New York City (after a 44-day journey!) which was still abuzz about the El Dorado discovery in California.
While in New York he meets with influential people as well as the famous showman P.T. Barnum.
Listen to find out what they discussed!
What four-letter-word changed California and the US practically overnight?
GOLD!
Meanwhile, Edward Beale, still in the Navy, was tasked with a very important job, one that involved sometimes treacherous and difficult travel across the country, from stifling heat to bitter cold.
| As Beale celebrates his victory at San Pasqual, the controversy surrounding his superiors threatens to derail that victory and his entire naval career. He needed a break, and in this episode, his luck increases - thanks to an unknowing source. |
Though the Battle at San Pasqual ended, Edward Fitzgerald Beale, now in Washington, D.C., finds himself in a controversy with his commanders and their actions during the recent battle.
At the same time, he receives new orders to rejoin the Pacific Squadron.
Though the Battle at San Pasqual ended, Edward Fitzgerald Beale, now in Washington, D.C., finds himself in a controversy with his commanders and their actions during the recent battle.
At the same time, he receives new orders to rejoin the Pacific Squadron.
| Episode seven explores the increasing squabbles between army leaders after the Battle of San Pasqual. Even more importantly, though, Beale’s illness arises yet he’s still considered for the rough task of delivering important papers to Washington, DC from the battlefield—not an easy task in the mid-1800s! |
In episode six, we head a bit south into East San Diego County.
The war with Mexico escalates, US leaders are captured, and Edward Beale takes command of the Naval Marine Forces!
| War has officially broken out between the U.S. and Mexico and guess who’s right in the middle of it all? Edward F. Beale. This episode also introduces a new character, those who follow Tejon Ranch and California history will surely know: John C. Fremont. Listen and learn more! |
Edward Fitzgerald Beale's oceanic adventures continue in episode 4.
Beale, now with a promotion and a bright future in the U.S. Navy arrives on the California coast of Monterey. With a mixture of sunlight and fog the frigate Congress enters the bay - with a possible war with Mexico looming.
| Open seas! In the previous episode Tejon Ranch founder Edward Fitzgerald Beale was on board the USS Independence exploring the seas. In this episode, we find Beale continuing his naval journey to the Mediterranean and eventually to the Pacific under the helm of none other than Commodore Robert Stockton. |
Season 3 focuses on the life of Tejon Ranch founder Edward Fitzgerald Beale: explorer, rancher, naval officer, humanitarian, politician, businessman, and diplomat.
In this episode, we find a young Beale in Boston, on board the USS Independence, an old frigate built in 1814 (with its own story to tell), and on the open seas.
| This season focuses on the life of Tejon Ranch founder Edward Fitzgerald Beale: explorer, rancher, naval officer, humanitarian, politician, businessman, and diplomat. Beale not only had a profound influence on the birth of the Ranch but also was instrumental in the early development of California. He is an American legend and Tejon Ranch is rich in story partly because of his character and contributions. |
| We’re getting ready to launch Season 3 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast which looks at the events, places, and people who made Tejon Ranch what it is today. Listen as host and narrator Barry Zoeller discusses what Season 3 will explore - no doubt a deep dive into the rich and historic legacy of the Ranch. |
Our last episode of Season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast!
If you've been listening, you explored the history of the Ranch, from Mexican land grants to Kit Carson to the modern Ranch we know today.
If you haven't been listening, subscribe and catch up!
The second to the last episode of Season 2 takes us to the more "modern" Ranch of the late 1950s. If you've been listening since the first episode, you'll recognize the amazing transformation of the Ranch from the 1850s to the present.
Episode 20 continues the Harry Chandler and M.H. Sherman era of Tejon Ranch and a twist with a foray into Mexico —a move with geopolitical implications.
In Episode 19 we journey to the much more modern Ranch of the 1930s.
Listen and learn how a hotel bellhop saved the Ranch and earned their place in Tejon Ranch history.
In episode 18, Barry Zoeller explores a new path the Ranch takes as a group of businessmen, led by Harry Chandler (well-known for being the publisher of the LA Times) and M.H. Sherman, begin building their new empire.
| In episode 17, Barry Zoeller looks at the legends and legendary residents of Tejon's past, including homesteaders, pioneer families, and a few names you might know even today. |
In episode 16, Barry Zoeller describes how bustling Fort Tejon was—the third largest settlement in the southern half of the state and the only meeting place within 10 miles in all directions. It was also populated by the First Dragoons—more than 200 troops stationed there.
Getting from Tejon Ranch to Los Angeles is fairly easy these days.
That wasn’t always the case. The Butterfield route took more than 30 hours from San Bernardino by way of Los Angeles to get to Fort Tejon.
Listen in to learn more about the dusty roads and stagecoaches that once ruled Tejon.
In episode 14, Barry Zoeller explores the continuing relationship between the land, the history, the agriculture, and even and the growing cattle population–all that helped accelerate the growth of the Ranch.
In episode 13, Barry Zoeller discusses how sheep gave rise to the business empire at the Ranch, a time in history also surrounded by a new oil refining process, a horrible drought, and the Long Depression in 1878.
In episode, 12 we dive into a series of episodes that explores a time when the “flock was king.” (Hint: sheep and cattle stock, new wealth, streetcars, and the booming economy that they all drove.)
In episode 11, Barry continues to explore Edward Fitzgerald Beale’s role not only at the Ranch but his other roles, including surveyor-general, his relationship with President Lincoln, and the looming American Civil War.
In episode 10, Barry continues to explore Edward Fitzgerald Beale and his influence on the modern-day Ranch—with a look at the now (in)famous camels that once roamed Tejon Ranch.
Listen and subscribe to the new season of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast. This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957.
In episode nine, Barry turns to a series of episodes on the first owner of “Ranchos El Tejon,” Edward Fitzgerald Beale and a journey he took that would change the course of history for California and the U.S.
Welcome to season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957.
In episode eight, Barry continues to look at the changing hands of the early owners of land grants at Tejon in the mid-1800s. Drama ensued, with hearings and costly consequences for many of the owners. Who wins in the end? Listen in!
Welcome to season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957.
In episode seven, Barry explores the different Mexican land grants that made up Rancho El Tejon. Changing many hands in the mid-1800s, the grant finally landed with Edward F. Beale—but that’s another episode!
Welcome to season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957.
In episode six, Barry reads through chapter three and explores the origin of the land grant program. What exactly was that? Listen to find out more! (Hint: You'll recognize a lot of familiar names.)
Welcome to season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957.
In episode five, Barry continues to profile the early explores of Tejon Ranch with a look at the trapper and the bishop: pioneer, frontiersman, hunter, trapper, and author Jedediah Strong Smith and William I. Kip, Episcopal bishop.
Welcome to season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957.
In episode four, Barry continues to profile the early explores of Tejon Ranch. Father Francisco Garcas was a Spanish Franciscan friar who served as a missionary and explorer and was part of the historic expedition across the Tehachapis.
Welcome to season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957.
In episode three, a look at the solider who first crossed the Tejon Pass to see the San Joaquin Valley laid out before him. Meet Captain Pedro Fages of Spain and learn his story.
Welcome to season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957.
Episode two starts at the beginning and looks at Tejon Ranch's first inhabitants: the native tribes who called the San Joaquin Valley and Tehachapi Mountains home.
| Welcome to season 2 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This season Barry Zoeller reads from the classic book, “Men of El Tejon, Empire in the Tehachapis,” written by Earle Crowe in 1957. Episode one explores the inspiration behind the book and a preview of what’s to come in our new season. From native Americans to Edward Fitzgerald Beale to the Chandler-Sherman empire-building era, Tejon Ranch has a deep history. Listen in! |
Welcome to Episode 17 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast. As we near the end of this series (only two more episodes left!), learn about the mighty I-5, built from the Canadian to the Mexican border. Before that? There was the Ridge Route Road, built in 1914. Imagine carving out a road through mountain ridges and canyons with no more than hand tools and mules. (Hint: It wasn’t easy).
Tejon Ranch’s history is rooted in agriculture and it’s a core part of who we are today. In this episode of the Tejon Ranch Podcast, Barry Zoeller, VP of Corporate Communications, speaks with Dennis Atkinson, Sr. VP of Agriculture and Water Resources, about agriculture and what it means to Tejon Ranch. This episode presents a wonderful look at a significant part of the Tejon Ranch legacy and a great way to get to know the people who are shepherding our legacy into the future
Welcome to Episode 16 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! The Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound effect on our country and Tejon Ranch was no exception. At the time the Ranch was under the dark clouds of being foreclosed. Then in 1932, M.H. Sherman passed away, putting the Ranch in even more turmoil. After some financial sleuthing, foreclosure was averted and eventually led to corporation. And then, growth and the path to the modern Tejon Ranch we know today.
Welcome to Episode 15 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! With the passing of Edward F. Beale, a new generation of owners emerged. Enter: Harry Chandler, publisher of the Los Angeles Times in 1917. A man with boundless energy and vision, he helped transform the newspaper into one of the largest papers on the west coast and turned the sleepy pueblo of L.A. into a thriving city. His legacy, along with co-owner M.H. Sherman, is still felt today at the Ranch. Also in this episode? Ostriches.
Welcome to Episode 14 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! End of an era. When Edward F. Beale died in 1893, his death marked the many changes that had occurred at Tejon Ranch. He was witness to and participated in many events related to Tejon Ranch and beyond, from fighting in the Mexican/American War, carrying news of the California Gold Rush to Washington, D.C., exploring the unknown Southwest, and serving as California’s Surveyor General. Beale was also an active voice in civil rights. After his passing, the Ranch transitioned and was soon on the path to a new direction.
Welcome to Episode 13 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This episode focuses on the history and creation of our now-famous cross and crescent brand. Where did it originate? For starters, it’s much older than Tejon Ranch. According to legend, it goes back to at least 1200 and was used to mark horses across Spain. From there, the brand made its way to Mexico, and then to California, soon to become associated with the Ranch. Listen to learn how the brand played a role in Tejon’s farming heritage and the west.
Welcome to Episode 12 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This episode focuses on the trials and tribulations of J.J. Lopez, an early and important resident of Tejon Ranch. Picture this: You’re in the midst of desert with a herd of 16,000 sheep, leading the way to get them through the hot, stifling heat, with a lack of water and food. And there’s no turning back. That’s the scenario Lopez was faced with. Did he make it to Green River, Wyoming as planned? Listen to learn more and find out!
Welcome to Episode 11 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This episode focuses on one of California’s worst droughts in history. By the mid-1800s there were more than 125,000 sheep grazing at the Ranch and plenty of crops and other wildlife. Of course, this being history, there was a hitch. California suffered a serious drought, with absolutely no rain in 1877. The Kern River dried up completely. And vegetation died. How was Tejon Ranch able to recover? Listen to learn more.
Welcome to Episode 10 of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast! This episode focuses on Edward Fitzgerald Beale and the behind-the-scenes action he took at Tejon Ranch to purchase the land. You might be surprised to learn that he and his family mostly resided in the nation’s capital while the care of the Ranch was assigned to others. Regardless, when he purchased four Mexican land grants that totaled 270,000 acres—real estate roughly equivalent in size to metropolitan Los Angeles— the price for an acre was a whopping 11 cents! Listen to learn more.
Welcome to Episode Nine of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast. By 1860, Tejon Ranch was the largest settlement in Southern California. However, it would soon become deserted. With the American Civil War starting in 1861, troops were diverted to battlefields across the country. Pleas from Ranch residents and leaders to keep the Ranch guarded were ignored. By 1861, every mule and wagon was loaded up by the U.S. Army and marched out as residents of Tejon Ranch sadly watched. It was a challenging time for the Ranch needless to say and many changes were now on the horizon. Listen to learn more!
Welcome to Episode Eight of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast. Earthquake! In 1857, much of the buildings left on Fort Tejon were destroyed by an earthquake (estimated at a whopping 8.0 on the Richter Scale). The tremors were so strong they were felt from as far away as San Diego and even San Francisco. This episode also explores how mail service was eventually set up so mail could be delivered to Tejon (only 25 days from St. Louis!). Listen in to learn more!
Welcome to Episode Seven of the Tejon Ranch History Podcast. Listen how Tejon Ranch’s founder Edward Fitzgerald Beale returned to the Ranch amidst a movement to construct a wagon road from the eastern U.S. —eventually passed by Congress. And, since Beale had experience in exploring the Southwest, he was considered the ideal choice to survey the new route. The introduction of camels to Tejon Ranch in 1857—and the reaction of Beale and the soldiers—also played an important role. Listen in to learn more!
Welcome to our Storyteller Series, an occasional podcast hosted by Barry Zoeller about the people of Tejon Ranch, their stories, and the work they do to make Tejon Ranch the special place it is today. The first guest is Mike Campeau—and the topic is stewardship. Mike has been with the Ranch in some capacity for 40 years. Listen as Barry and Mike talk about stewardship and what it means to Tejon Ranch, its future residents and generations who will be able to enjoy the ranch for years to come because of this unprecedented effort.
This episode focuses on the waning years of the California Gold Rush, its positive (and not-so-positive) effects on Tejon Ranch, as well as Beale’s continuing relationship with the Ranch’s native Indians and sometimes tenuous relationship with the Federal government. The big news though: Beale convinces the U.S. Army in establishing a military presence at the Ranch to “keep the peace” between settlers and Indians and guard a major road though Grapevine Canyon. This will lead to a more organized Ranch and set the stage for years to come.
This episode focuses on the continuing gold rush and Tejon Ranch’s legacy. The main roads that led to the gold fields cut through Tejon Ranch. The roads could be dangerous as California was still wild and there were skirmishes between settlers and the various tribes in California. Ranch founder Edward Fitzgerald Beale was brought it to broker peace, and because of his relationship with the tribes, which was based on mutual respect, he was successful. However, the federal government didn’t take too kindly to Beale’s and the local population’s relationship. This relationship ultimately held ramifications for Beale, the local Indians and what was to come next.
Between 1843 and 1846, the Mexican government encouraged settlement by awarding hundreds of land grants in California. One of these five ranchos, Tejon, helped formed the nucleus of what is now known today as Tejon Ranch. The average grant size was roughly 49,000 acres, and even though the land was free, it still proved difficult for settlers. Enter, Kit Carson. Listen to find out what happened next. (Here’s a hint: gold!)
Sharing excerpts from the book, Tejon Ranch: Preserving the Legacy of a California Treasure, this episode explores dragoons, San Diego, Californios, San Pasquel, and a battle that wasn’t expected. One name that stands out in this episode? Edward Fitzgerald Beale, the founder of Tejon Ranch. Listen, learn and enjoy!
Welcome to episode two of our new podcast series about the land and legacy of Tejon Ranch. In this episode, Barry Zoeller explores the early beginnings of the Ranch, including Spanish explorers, native Americans, and the natural beauty of the land that played a role in the settling of the Tejon Ranch.
Hope you enjoy this podcast about the legacy of Tejon Ranch as it’s tied to the history California.
A new podcast series about the history of Tejon Ranch. You might not know it but Tejon Ranch played a huge (and sometimes colorful) role in the founding of California. From Spanish explorers to Russian fur traders to gold miners to Kit Carson, we’ll explore the way it was in early California.