The Headless Horseman of Santa Fe
In 1680, the Pueblo Indians drove the Spanish out of New Mexico during what we today call the Pueblo Revolt. Around 1692, however, the Spanish reconquered New Mexico and the settlers, priests and soldiers returned. One of those soldiers was Juan Espinoza.
Somewhere along the road back to Santa Fe, Juan spotted a beautiful young woman named Catalina Monroy and was immediately smitten. But Catalina was something of a flirt and had many suitors. Among them was Juan’s best friend and commanding officer Pedro Pino.
Pedro and Juan were exact opposites. Pedro was tall and handsome while Juan was short and pudgy. Despite that, Juan was determined to marry Catalina. He went to her father, Don Vicente Monroy, and asked for her hand in marriage. Don Vicente informed Juan that Catalina was not interested in marrying him. Instead, she had fallen in love with Pedro.
Brokenhearted but refusing to give up, Juan went to the house of two brujas, or witches, who lived in what is today believed to be the oldest house in America. Juan asked for a potion to make Catalina fall in love with him.
The two witches brewed up a potion that they said would surely make Catalina fall in love with him but told Juan that before he gave her the potion he must kill a pig, cut out its heart and eat it raw.
Juan found the thought of eating a raw pig’s heart repulsive, so he did not follow the witches’ instructions. Instead, he simply gave Catalina the potion. It didn’t work.
Several days late, Juan chanced to meet Pedro on the street. Pedro was all smiles and Juan asked why he was so happy. Pedro told him that Catalina had agreed to marry him.
Enraged, Juan jumped on his horse and rode back to the witches’ house and demanded his money back. When asked by the witches if he had followed their instructions, Juan lied and said he did.
Knowing that Juan had not followed their instructions, the witches refused to give back his money. This made Juan even angrier and he drew his sword meaning to strike them down. But one of the witches hit Juan over the head with her cane. Juan fell to the ground, dropping his sword. The other witch picked it up and with one stroke chopped off Juan’s head.
Legend has it that Juan’s head went rolling down East De Vargas Street leaving a bloody trail behind. And, it is said that Juan’s headless body jumped up on his horse and road after it.
Some Santa Feans claim that on moonlit nights sounds of hoof beats can be heard and a headless horseman can be seen on East De Vargas Street. Is it Juan still looking for his head?
About the author:
Ken Ortolon is a former journalist who has a passion for history, particularly the history of the American Southwest. His interest in New Mexico history was sparked in the 1980s when his wife began making frequent trips to Santa Fe on buying trips for her art gallery, which specialized in Native American art and jewelry. Ken enjoys sharing his knowledge of the centuries-old city of Santa Fe and the people who have lived here—Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American. He is a popular guide for Discovery Walking Tours, and a docent guide at La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe’s most historic place of lodging.