Francisco Palóu

Who was Francisco Palóu?

Francisco Palou was a Franciscan missionary, administrator, and historian on the Baja California peninsula and in Alta California. Father Palou made significant contributions to the Alta California and Baja California mission systems. Along with his mentor, Junipero Serra, Palou worked to build numerous missions throughout Alta and Baja California, many structures of which still stand today. A member of the Franciscan Order, Palou became "Presidente" of the missions in Baja California, and later of missions of Alta California. Palou's work in the Spanish mission system spans from his early twenties to his death at the age of 66.

According to biographer Herbert E. Bolton "Fray Palou was a diligent student, devout Christian, loyal disciple, tireless traveler, zealous missionary, firm defender of the faith, resourceful pioneer, successful mission builder, able administrator, and fair minded historian of California." Palou is particularly noted for his pious biography of Serra and for his multi-volume early history of the Californias.