Event Overview

Historian Damian Bacich will explore the fascinating life of Chief Francisco Solano, a significant Native American figure and ally of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, during a lecture titled The Legend of Chief Solano. This event is part of the Sonoma Petaluma Parks lecture series and will take place on Thursday, September 19, at the Mission San Francisco Solano chapel, starting at 7 p.m..

About the Speaker

Damian Bacich serves as the chair of the Department of World Languages and Literatures at San Jose State University, where he teaches Spanish and Latin American literature, alongside Spanish-English translation courses. He has a wealth of knowledge about California’s history and has dedicated his career to educating others.

The Enigmatic Chief Solano

Chief Solano, also referred to as Sem Yeto, led the Suysun Patwin tribe, which inhabited the regions around Suisun Bay and Solano County. Born around 1800, he became chief by the age of ten and later contributed significantly to the establishment of Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma, where he and his community aided in its construction.

Bacich notes that “Chief Francisco Solano was pivotal because he played an important role in helping Gen. Vallejo establish and maintain dominance in this region.” However, the life and death of Solano remain shrouded in conflicting narratives, particularly concerning his burial location.

A Two-World Leader

Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, Solano’s bravery and leadership made him a formidable figure. Bacich describes him as a man who navigated two worlds well—fluent in Spanish and rooted in his Native American traditions. He was “greatly admired and respected, but also feared,” illustrating the complexity of his role in the historical landscape.

Military and Diplomatic Roles

As the 1830s saw a decline in the mission system, Vallejo sought to solidify his influence in the North Bay area. Bacich highlights how Solano assisted Vallejo in establishing treaties and maintaining peace with regional Native communities, a significant departure from typical Spanish and Mexican strategies at the time.

According to Bacich, “His skills in leadership both on and off the field of battle were crucial to Vallejo, especially in dealing with Indigenous groups.” Solano and his people undertook military expeditions to ensure stability in the region amidst competing tribal factions.

A Broader Historical Impact

Bacich aims to delve into various dimensions of Solano’s life during the lecture, emphasizing how his contributions have shaped the early history of California’s North Bay region. This area remains steeped in historical significance that links back to Europe, Latin America, and the Indigenous peoples of California.

About Damian Bacich

Bacich’s educational journey began in the East Bay before moving to Napa Valley. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of San Francisco and advanced degrees from UCLA in Hispanic linguistics. His commitment to history extends beyond teaching; he founded the California Frontier Project to promote a nuanced understanding of California’s past.

Additionally, Bacich has initiated resources for teachers and hosts a podcast to share insights and stories from California’s rich history.

Event Details

The lecture is set to commence on September 19, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.. Tickets are available at the door for $10 for the general public and $5 for Sonoma Petaluma Parks members. Free admission is offered to docents and staff members of Sonoma Petaluma Parks.