Charles Milles Manson, an American criminal, cult leader, and musician, is one of the most infamous figures in American history. Born on November 12, 1934, Manson spent most of his early life in and out of reform schools and prisons. It wasn't until the 1960s that he would gain notoriety as the leader of the Manson Family—a cult that operated in California.


Charles Manson was born to a 16-year-old mother, and his early life was marked by neglect and instability. His mother was a criminal, and he was often shuffled between relatives and juvenile centers. His criminal activities began early, involving petty crimes, and gradually escalated to more serious offenses. This pattern of behavior resulted in multiple incarcerations.

Formation of the Manson Family

In the late 1960s, Manson, who had an interest in music and a charismatic personality, attracted a group of followers, mainly young women, in California. This group, later known as the Manson Family, was a quasi-commune that arose in the context of the counterculture of the 1960s. Manson's followers were heavily influenced by his beliefs, which included an apocalyptic race war he termed "Helter Skelter," named after a Beatles song.