Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime

Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime

Share this post

Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime
Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime
She Was the First and Only Woman to be Hanged in California: The Tragic Tale of "Pretty Juanita"
Wild West

She Was the First and Only Woman to be Hanged in California: The Tragic Tale of "Pretty Juanita"

Pretty Juanita might have been a footnote in history, but her claim to notoriety has echoed through time. In the summer of 1851, she became the first and only woman ever hung in California

Donna Patton's avatar
Donna Patton
Jul 14, 2024
∙ Paid
5

Share this post

Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime
Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime
She Was the First and Only Woman to be Hanged in California: The Tragic Tale of "Pretty Juanita"
2
Share
Depiction of Josefa Sergovia, often called “Pretty Juanita”

Background

Today, Downieville, California, is a small, quiet town in Sierra County. In 1851, though, it was a rugged gold mining camp and one of the state’s most popular and populous towns.

First settled during the California Gold Rush of 1849 by Major William Downie, a Scotsman, and located where the Downie River and the north fork of the Yuba River meet.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Tales From the Underworld
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share