Arroyo de Cantua

The state's two bronzes stand on Highway 198, fourteen miles from the three rocks, and state as settled what was doubted from the start. Harry Love's rangers rode into a camp on Cantua Creek on July 25, 1853, killed at least two Mexican men, and cut off one man's head and another's hand, packing them in liquor to claim the reward. The head was shown for a dollar a look until the 1906 fire destroyed it, and whether it was Joaquin Murieta's was disputed at once. The legend came a year later, from the Cherokee writer John Rollin Ridge.

What the plaque says

14 Miles Arroyo de Cantua Headquarters of notorious bandit, Joaquin Murieta. Killed here July 25, 1853, by posse of state rangers, led by Captain Harry Love. Terrorized mining camps and stage operations during his career. Historical Landmark No. 344 Department of Public Works - Division of Highways 14 Miles Arroyo de Cantua Headquarters of notorious bandit, Joaquin Murieta. Killed here July 25, 1853, by posse of state rangers, led by Captain Harry Love. Terrorized mining camps and stage operations during his career. Historical Landmark No. 344 Department of Public Works - Division of Highways

Where it stands