Christopher MacMahon

Christopher MacMahon is a Lecturer in the Department of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). A U.S. Navy veteran and former six-year member of the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, he transitioned to academia through volunteer work in historical preservation and education. He currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Goleta Valley Historical Society and volunteers with the Nevada State Railroad Museum in steam train operations and educational projects.

His research focuses on environmental settler colonialism and water policy in Nevada (1840–1890), examining how Euro-American settlers altered ecosystems to advantage themselves over Indigenous communities and compete with mining and agricultural interests. This work culminated in his dissertation, Riparian Revolt: Contested Water in Early Nevada, 1840–1890, which highlights legal battles over water rights and hybrid judicial rulings blending riparian and appropriation doctrines.

MacMahon’s expertise spans public history, legal history, and the intersection of environmental and Western U.S. history. His engagement with community institutions underscores his commitment to bridging academic research with public historical education.