PODCAST · history
Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast
by Ricky Mortensen
A show that highlights interesting history around the United States in a vignette styled format. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support
Episodes
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CHOLERAFORNIA: The Gold Rush Epidemic That Emptied a City
In October 1850, California celebrated statehood while cholera moved through its ports, rivers, and boomtowns. In Sacramento, the disease emptied streets, overwhelmed a makeshift hospital, killed hundreds, and helped turn one physician into a pioneer of public health. Picture this: you have just...
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The Day Sacramento Shot Their Mayor
Picture Sacramento in the summer of 1850. Gold was just struck up in the hills, thousands of hopefuls were flooding in every single month, and you had managed to put up a simple wood-frame house on a muddy patch of ground near the river. It was nothing fancy—just rough boards and a leaky roof—but...
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The Great Diamond Hoax of 1872: How Two Kentucky Cousins Fooled San Francisco’s Richest Men
Imagine you’re a banker in San Francisco in 1872. You survived the Gold Rush. You made good money off the Comstock silver boom. Everybody in town thinks you’re one of the sharpest guys in California. Then one night, two rough-looking prospectors walk into a mine broker’s office with a leather…
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Shanghai Kelly: San Francisco's Most Dangerous Host
In 1875, a San Francisco saloon owner threw a free birthday party for 100 strangers. By morning, every single one of them was unconscious, loaded into cargo nets, and sold to three ships bound for China. This is the story of Shanghai Kelly — the man who turned kidnapping into an industry.From the...
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The Forgotten Mussel Slough Tragedy
Seven Men, a Railroad, and a Broken Promise Let me tell you a story. You are standing in a wheat field in California’s San Joaquin Valley in 1880. It is hot, dusty, and tense, and about twenty of your neighbors are riding toward a little farmhouse to “talk things out” with a U.S. marshal. Thirty...
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America’s First "Murder by Mail"
In the summer of 1898, a beautiful box of chocolate creams arrived on a quiet porch in Dover, Delaware. What looked like a sweet gift turned into one of the most shocking crimes in American history. This is the unbelievable true story of Cordelia Botkin — the jealous mistress who turned the U.S....
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The Tehachapi Wreck Of 1883
The Runaway Train That Killed a Governor’s Wife… and the Railroad Cover-Up That FollowedIn January 1883, the Atlantic Express rolled backward down the Tehachapi grade with no engines attached. It hit 70 mph, flew off the tracks, and plunged 75 feet into a ravine. Five cars burst into flames....
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America’s Only Emperor: The True Story of Norton I
Joshua Abraham Norton was a wealthy merchant who lost everything in a 1852 rice gamble. Most people would have disappeared into the shadows, but Joshua did something much more interesting: he walked into a San Francisco newspaper office and declared himself Emperor of the United States.And the...
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The Ice That Built California
In the late 1800s, California depended on winter. Before refrigeration, the state relied on natural ice cut from frozen ponds in the Sierra Nevada. For a few short weeks each year, men in places like Boca and Truckee harvested blocks up to sixteen inches thick, stacked them forty feet high in...
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Adolph Weber - The Boy Murderer of Auburn, CA
In 1904, one of the most shocking murder trials in California history unfolded in the quiet foothill town of Auburn.Four members of the Weber family were dead.Their home was burned to the ground.And at the center of it all stood a young man named Adolf Weber.This episode of Ricky’s Historical...
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The Sport Too Brutal for the Wild West
In this episode of Ricky’s Historical Tidbits Podcast, dive deep into the shocking history of bull and bear fights in 1850s California—how they started, where they happened, and why they eventually disappeared. Through vivid storytelling, follow an eight-year-old boy witnessing his first fight,...
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Ep. 39 - Elfego Baca: Wild West Hero
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...
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Ep. 38 Hank Vaughan: The Outlaw You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should)
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...
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Ep. 37- Camel Craze in the West: The Story of California’s Camel Experiment and Virginia City's Camel Races
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...
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Ep. 36 - Hoboken: The City That Seized The Day
“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...
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Ep. 35 - Queho: The Bad Indian
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
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Ep. 34 News Carver; One of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch
Butch Cassidy is a famous outlaw so this episode I share the story of one of his “Wild Bunch” a guy known as News Carver To 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...
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Ep. 33 Why Calaveras County Is Obsessed With Frogs
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...
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Ep. 32 The Truth About Yankee Jim
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...
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Ep. 31 John Kanaka and Sutter: A Tale of Two Legacies
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 below Hawaiian State - Book 1 Hawaiian Legacy - Book 2 Hawaiian…
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Ep. 30 Unmasking Joaquin Murrieta: Myth vs Reality in California's Outlaw History
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...
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Ep. 29 Skydiving Beavers: Idaho's 1948 Wild Adventure!
Do you ever think about how animals are relocated? I'm sure you've seen a horse in on of those trailers on the road or put your dog on a plane but I'm talking about wild animals. Like Beavers. Idaho has quite the story about relocating a bunch of beavers after World War Two and I will tell you…
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Ep. 28 Mystery Solved!: The Civil War Cannon of Placerville, California
Living on the west coast in the United States you might think that to see Civil War artifacts, you gotta head on down to the South where it was fought or go to a museum. What if I told you there are some Civil War Cannons in plain sight in Northern California? But before I tell you about that……
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Ep. 27 The Longmire Cabin Story
My professional photographer Grandpa and I went out for a photography trip up at Mount Rainer here in Washington. As a history lover I always have my eyes set out to learn the local history around me and sure enough I came across something pretty interesting. This is a public episode. If you…
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EP 26 - THE BLONDE KING, AN AXE MURDERER AND MOUNTAIN DEW
In this episode, I will be telling you all about 5 different men, John Sutter, Sam Brannan, Sam Barlow, James Savage, and Doc Maynard. Each of these men made some kind of impact on the western United States. You can listen now but This episode will be premiering in all its glory on YouTube at...
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ep. 25 - Druids, Demons & Teddy Ruxpin
Listen, Watch or Read. The Choice is yours. Ancient Celtic Druids base their holidays on the wheel of the year. The Celtic year was divided into 2 halves the light and the dark. Within The halves, there would be 4 fire festivals. Samhain was the name of the fire festival that marked the beginning...
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ep. 24 How Stockton Got Its Name
Opportunity is one of the many words that you can use to describe The United States, sure not everyone will succeed and not everyone will get the same opportunities but you get a heck of a lot more than you would in most if not all other countries. This is why so many people immigrated here and...
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ep. 23 The Fascinating Life of James Lick - A Self-Made Millionaire Who Revolutionized California!
An old man is laying in a bed, he's not really all that old in his late seventies. He would like nothing more than to not be stuck in his bed, weak and slowly dying. trapped in his thoughts knowing his time is near and drawing closer every minute. This man is extremely wealthy, has very few real...
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ep. 22 Tidbits Blitz - Hank Monk, George Lathrop and Phillip Armour
Listen, Watch, or Read. I got you covered. Hey everybody in this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits I am going to do something a little different. A Tidbits Blitz, What that is, is a handful of tidbits in one episode. These tidbits are short but worth telling so instead of posting a super…
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ep. 21 - The War of the Worlds - Full Broadcast with Brief History Introduction by Ricky Mortensen
Have you ever heard of the Orson Welles Controversy concerning the War of the Worlds Broadcast he did one day? Well if you haven't or even if you have but haven't heard the full broadcast for yourself, you are in luck. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other...
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ep. 20 Robert F. Stockton "Fighting Bob"
"Regal? Overrated? Captain of men? Friend and benefactor? Bellicose firebrand? Robert Stockton was many things to many people, but in two things he was constant: he was unwavering in his dedication to his state and to his country, and he never failed to strive for glory. Regardless of what…
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ep. 19 Ghirardelli - The Candy Man
You have likely had one of the Ghirardelli squares before, have you ever wondered about the history not of the company exactly but the man that started it? Well I have and I did the research and MANNNNN did this guy have a tough time in business yet he persevered along with his family.…
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ep. 18 The Largest Gold Nugget Ever Found in CA
I tell you a brief explanation of 4 kinds of gold and then the stories of 3 gold nuggets 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
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ep. 17 The Jenny Lind Steamboat Disaster
The Jenny Lind Steamboat Disaster claimed 32 lives in the bay area back in 1853. In this episode, I'll tell you all about it. 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
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ep. 16 E. Clampus Vitus Exposed
According to E. Clampus Vitus legend, St. Vitus devoted 37 years of study and unbiblical contemplation to seek out the fundamental truths bound up in the mystic title of the order. He began writing a cabalistic treatise on the subject in 83 volumes. Still, so far as anyone has been able to...
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ep. 15 Keep Bigler Blue - The Lake Tahoe Name Controversey
Many moons ago there was a big lake in the western territory of the United States. Native American tribes called it dá’aw which translates basically to “lake”. Some say there is a 60-foot monster like the loch ness monster that lives in the deep known today as Tahoe Tessie, some say there are...
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ep. 14 Black Bart - The Po8
In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of my favorite criminal, Charley Boles also known as Black Bart. He robbed 28 stagecoaches in his bandit career and was eventually caught and sent to San Quentin. I'm really excited about this episode. Books Recommended…
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ep. 13 Frederick Bee - Mandarin of the Blue Button
In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of a man who made his mark everywhere he went. Whether it was mining for gold, building a telegraph line across the country, constructing railroads, potentially inventing the pony express, and most notably Consul for the...
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ep. 12 Lucy Batterman
In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of a lady named Lucy Ann Stoddard Wakefield Batterman, who was known to most for her pies but there’s something else she’s known for. She is part of the Miners on Main series which is a scavenger hunt coming soon to Main...
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ep 11. Eliza McKinstry
This short episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits is about a lady named Eliza Mckinstry. She is part of the Miners on Main series which is a scavenger hunt coming soon to Main Street in Placerville highlighting local people of history that had some kind of impact on the city of Placerville. This…
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ep. 10 - George G. Blanchard - Judge of El Dorado County
In this short episode of Ricky's historical tidbits, I share with you a little bit about a man who will be featured in the city of Placerville's “Miners on Main” scavenger hunt on Main Street. Known to history for a few things but is mostly known as Judge Blanchard. This is a public episode. If…
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ep. 9 - Dorothea Zeisz - The Pioneer Grandma
This is a short episode about Dorothea Zeisz, a woman who had 10 kids then her husband left the country for "business" 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
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ep. 8 - Sheriff James Hume - The Sherlock Holmes of the Wild West
“One of the best detectives on the Pacific Coast; prompt, vigilant, and firm; always sober, reticent in his business affairs; knew no fear of danger; confided into the fullest extent of his employers, and generally esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.” that is a description…
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ep. 7 - Wheelbarrow Johnny - The Story of John Studebaker
You may have heard of Studebakers in terms of cars or old wagons but do you know the full story of the man behind it all, it is quite the story and you will enjoy every second of this episode all about it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...
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ep. 6 - Robbers Roost - The Gassaway Gang
Robbers Roost is a place where the notorious Gassaway Gang hung out and robbed an unknown amount of people until they finally got caught and were sent to jail. Though short, this is their story. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...
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ep. 5 - May Woolsey - The Trunk Under the Stairs.
It was 1979, a man named Ed Duffy, a carpenter, had bought an old home in Sacramento and was working on fixing it up. under the staircase, he happened upon an old trunk and when he opened it he was astonished at what he found. In this episode I will be sharing with you the story of May Woolsey…
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ep. 4 - The Mountain Brewery - A Victim of Prohibition
The very interesting history and demise of a family-run brewery in Placerville, CA. "The proper beer to drink and the purest and best is the beer from the Giebenhain brewery in Placerville California. Our staff of physicians have found that this beer yields the greatest tonic strength so much...
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ep. 3 - Preston Castle - Ancient home to Queen Calafia?
Preston Castle is 45 minutes East of Sacramento now known for its haunts and for simply being spooky looking In this episode you will learn all you need to know about Preston Castle, the old juvenile detention center meant for reforming and teaching the trades. This is a public episode. If you...
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ep. 2 - Snowshoe Thompson - The Viking Mailman of the Sierra
Snowshoe Thompson was a mailman who delivered mail on skis from Placerville around South lake Tahoe and up to Carson city and back. His story is one that cannot be ignored, it is simply too fascinating. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get…
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ep. 1 - William Leidesdorff - The First Millionaire of California before the Gold Rush
Most people have never heard his name before, most don't know his story. A man who came to America in the 1830s and made his way to becoming the first millionaire of California before the gold rush. Had he not died so young who knows what riches he would have accumulated. This is a public…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A show that highlights interesting history around the United States in a vignette styled format. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support
HOSTED BY
Ricky Mortensen
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast have?
Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast about?
A show that highlights interesting history around the United States in a vignette styled format. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-mortensen/support
How often does Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast release new episodes?
Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast?
You can listen to Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast?
Ricky's Historical Tidbits Podcast is created and hosted by Ricky Mortensen.
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