Episode 7 The Last of Yerba Buena 1844 - early 1846

The largest misconception I had, coming into this, was that nothing of importance happened in Yerba Buena, until the United States arrived. That’s literally what I was taught in my college California History class, and a common theme you’ll find online. How did we collectively get to that idea, believing that Yerba Buena had nothing to offer?

Yerba Buena being a ‘nothing little town’ is an example of how perception can become the agreed upon reality. However, perception is one person’s opinion of reality, which may, or may not be … reality. But, when what you’re reading was written by the victor, one person’s perception has a way of shaping history, and therefore our sense of reality.

Please see the transcript for more details and links to my cited sources.