c. 1830
c. 1853 or c. 1878

Bandit and Gunslinger

When considering the life of Joaquin Murieta, it is almost almost impossible to separate fact from fiction. He became famous for his exploits during the California Gold Rush. Authorities were so determined to catch him that law agents were assigned to kill or capture any man with the first name Joaquin, a common Mexican name. Many people feel Murieta’s exploits became exaggerated over time, while others see him as a hero, and others believe he never really existed at all.

Mounting tensions north of the border

Joaquin Murieta was born in Alamos, in the Mexican state of Sonora, around 1830. His father, who was probably a Maya Indian, worked in the silver mines near Varoyeca, Sonora. His mother is believed to have been descended from Spanish and Moorish ancestors. Documents indicate that before leaving Mexico, the young Murieta...