David v. Goliath: The Mussel Slough Tragedy

About this episode

This episode explores the Mussel Slough Tragedy and its impact on local perceptions of the railroad industry during the Gilded Age.

An obscure, little known gun fight over land speculation in central California in May 1880 helped shaped local residents opinions about the railroad industry for a generation. Tune in this week as I dive into the story of the Mussel Slough Tragedy and explore how the fight between local settlers and the Southern Pacific Railroad highlights the conflicts over land, resources, and corporate power during the Gilded Age. Support the show

People in this episode

Host: Alycia Asai

Topics covered

• land speculation
• railroad industry
• Gilded Age
• local conflict
• corporate power

Keywords

• Mussel Slough
• Southern Pacific Railroad
• land conflict
• Gilded Age
• California history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southern Pacific Railroad

Places: California

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