In Part 2 of this interview, author Jeremy Beer discusses his new book Beyond the Devil's Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest. Beer delves into the life and legacy of Franciscan friar Francisco Garcés, a key figure in early Spanish exploration and missionary work in the American Southwest during the late 18th century.

Key topics covered:
• The significance of the "Devil's Road" in Spanish exploration
• Garcés' unique approach to missionary work and his relationships with Native peoples
• The complex web of relationships between Spanish missionaries, Native leaders, and colonial authorities
• The tragic events at Yuma in 1781 that ended Spanish expansion in the region
• Garcés' lasting impact on the settlement of California and ethnological understanding of Native groups

Beer offers a nuanced perspective on this pivotal period in American history, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges of cross-cultural encounters on the frontier. This interview provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the early history of the American Southwest, Spanish colonization, or Native American studies.

Get the book: Beyond the Devil's Road by Jeremy Beer - Available now!

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