These esoteric tidbits from The Golden State pique my curiosity. Impressive, incredible and even bizarre …

1500s

N. de Morena – ship pilot left behind in Northern California by Francis Drake in 1579.

1840s

Moses Schallenberger – early overland immigrant to California (1844). Survived being marooned in the Sierra Nevada winter by eating foxes.

Gold Rush Era (1848-1855)

E Clampus Vitus – humor-driven gold rush era fraternal organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of the American West and also pranks.

Harry Love – lawman and head of the California Rangers and allegedly killed the infamous California bandit Joaquin Murrieta and his ruthless accomplice: Three-Fingered Jack.

Joaquin Murrieta – legendary California bandit – more detailed write up TBD

1860s and 1870s

“Snowshoe” Thompson delivered mail across the Sierra Nevada mountains in the winter with long skiis and a hearty disposition. He must have really enjoyed it, since he performed the service for FREE for twenty years!

See also: “I Love You California” (1913) the official state song