Case file · Folklore / legend
Joaquin Murrieta's head
In July 1853 California Rangers said they killed the bandit Joaquin Murrieta at Arroyo de Cantua and preserved his head in a jar of brandy, which was exhibited for a fee. It disappeared in the 1906 earthquake.
1853 CE · 36.43, -120.43 · status: legend
The account
Doubts that the head was really Murrieta's fed legends that he escaped, and stories of his headless ghost riding the hills. He also inspired the 'Zorro' character.