
038: A Warrior's Journey: The Legend of Chief Solano
Towering over people at 6'7", the imposing figure of Chief Francisco Solano loomed large in early 19th-century California.
Born a Suisun native named Sina, he received the name Francisco Solano at his Mission Dolores baptism in 1810. Solano rose to become a formidable military leader, commanding thousands of indigenous warriors for the Mexican authorities.
His skill in battle and diplomacy was invaluable to General Mariano Vallejo in establishing control over Native groups in Northern California. Solano straddled two worlds - respected by Indians and Californios for both his might and…
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