Person
Francesco Palou
Spanish soldier, governor of Baja and Alta California; explorer and founder of San Diego and Monterey
Francesco Palou (1723–1789) is a Franciscan missionary, administrator, and historian on the Baja California peninsula and in Alta California.
Father Palou's makes significant contributions to the Alta California and Baja California mission systems.
Along with his mentor, Junipero Serra, Palou works to build numerous missions throughout Alta and Baja California, many structures of which still stand today.
A member of the Franciscan Order, Palou eventually becomes the acting "Presidente" of the missions in Baja California, and then eventually of missions of Alta California as well.
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.