Joseph Yves Limantour

Joseph Yves Limantour was a French-born merchant and trader who operated along the Pacific coast of Mexico and California in the mid-19th century. He became involved in disputes over land claims after a shipwreck near what is now known as Limantour Beach, California, which left him stranded in the region. Limantour filed numerous land claims, including one for 800 square leagues of land, which was later found to be fraudulent.

In 1857, Limantour was arrested on charges of criminal fraud and perjury related to his land claims. He fled Mexico after posting bail and returned to Mexico City, where he continued to evade justice until his death in 1885. His son, José Yves Limantour, later became the Secretary of Finance of Mexico from 1893 to 1911.

Limantour's claims were eventually proven fraudulent through discrepancies in official seals and signatures compared to authentic documents, as well as lack of supporting evidence in Mexican financial records. His case remains a notable example of land claim disputes during the U.S.-Mexican War era.