Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast

Oct 14 2024 39 ep. 13 mins 6

Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast artwork

NorCal History show that does not bog you down with dates and names and focus' on stories. Hosted by Ricky Mortensen

rickymortensen.substack.com

History Education

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Ep. 39 - Elfego Baca: Wild West Hero

Oct 14 2024 11 mins

You’ve heard of Billy the Kid and Jesse James, but have you ever heard of Elfego Baca? This guy didn’t just survive one of the most insane shootouts in Wild West history—he went on to become a sheriff, a lawyer, and somehow got mixed up with Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. From taking on Texas cowboys to representing revolutionaries and stealing Villa’s prized r

Ep. 38 Hank Vaughan: The Outlaw You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should)

Sep 17 2024 17 mins

Get ready to saddle up for one of the most jaw-dropping outlaw stories from the Wild West that you’ve probably never heard of—Hank Vaughan. He wasn’t just some two-bit criminal. No, this guy was a horse-rustling mastermind, a daredevil gunslinger, and somehow, he managed to cheat death more times than should be humanly possible.In this episode, I take you through Hank’s cha

Ep. 37- Camel Craze in the West: The Story of California’s Camel Experiment and Virginia City's Camel Races

Aug 06 2024 11 mins

In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, we will explore the surprising story behind the California Camel Experiment and its connection to the Virginia City Camel Races. From the mid-19th century trials of camels in the American Southwest to the whimsical camel races in Nevada today, I'll take you on a journey through this quirky slice of history. Learn about the ambitious ca

Ep. 36 - Hoboken: The City That Seized The Day

Jun 11 2024 8 mins

“Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”“Carpe Diem”“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today Tomorrow will be dying.”What do all of these sayings have in common?They can describe the city in California nearby Sacramento that boomed for just a month. The people knew it wouldn't last, but at the time Sacrame

Ep. 35 - Queho: The Bad Indian

May 30 2024 4 mins

Queho was and is known for being Nevada's first serial killer who was never caught. To read click this link This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Ep. 34 News Carver; One of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch

May 21 2024 4 mins

Butch Cassidy is a famous outlaw so this episode I share the story of one of his “Wild Bunch” a guy known as News CarverTo read the Article version Click here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com

Ep. 33 Why Calaveras County Is Obsessed With Frogs

May 16 2024 7 mins

Calaveras County in Northern California Absolutely loves frogs, they are obsessed. Frog murals, frog statues, frog plaques, a frog walk of fame and of course they have the annual Jumping Frog Jubilee where they have the annual Jumping frog competition. So why is Calaveras County, Angels Camp in particular, frog obsessed? To the point there was a court case that went to the Calavera

Ep. 32 The Truth About Yankee Jim

May 14 2024 7 mins

Yankee Jim was the victim of mistaken identity, there were two criminals back in the early 1850's known by the name Yankee Jim. Both were tall, both were criminals but one more so than the other. Nowadays most don't know there were two and make the same mistake the court in San Diego made and combine the two men into one. Intrigued? This is a public episode. If you would like to di

Ep. 31 John Kanaka and Sutter: A Tale of Two Legacies

May 10 2024 9 mins

Could I have stumbled upon THE John from the Irish folk song John Kanaka? Come along with me and learn the story of a Kanaka who was never supposed to be and his adventures in California.Prefer to read? Click here Sponsor links belowHawaiian State - Book 1Hawaiian Legacy - Book 2Hawaiian Legend - Book 3 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscrib

Ep. 30 Unmasking Joaquin Murrieta: Myth vs Reality in California's Outlaw History

May 07 2024 15 mins

Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about one of California's most notorious outlaws...Joaquin Murrieta, the infamous figure known as the 'Robin Hood of the El Dorado.' Join me and delve deep into the dusty archives of history, to uncover the truth behind Murrieta's notorious exploits and separate fact from fiction. This episode will challenge long-standing myths