Joaquin Miller, The Poet of the Sierras

Called the "Poet of the Sierras" and the "Byron of the Rockies," Cincinnatus Hiner Miller alias Joaquin Miller was also termed a "poseur" and a "farce" during his careers as a 19th century lawyer, judge, pony express rider, newspaperman, teacher, cook, miner, conservationist and poet.

Taking poetic license to heart, Miller was inventive about every aspect of his life including his name, age, and where he was born. However, 25 years after his death, his secret "California Diary" was unearthed, revealing that many of his unusual experiences were products of his lively imagination. Fellow litt...