Francisco Palóu, OFM (1723–1789) was a Spanish Franciscan missionary, administrator and historian on the Baja California Peninsula and in Alta California. Palóu made significant contributions to the Alta California and Baja California mission systems. Along with his mentor, Junípero Serra, Palóu worked to build numerous missions throughout Alta and Baja California, many structures of which still stand today. A member of the Franciscan Order, Palóu became "Presidente" of the missions in Baja California, and later of missions of Alta California. Palóu's work in the Spanish mission system spans from his early twenties to his death at the age of 66.
Title pages of the first edition of Palou's biography of Junípero Serra
Reproduction of illustration originally published in: Relacion historica de la vida y apostolicas tareas del venerable padre Fray Junipero Serra
Baja California peninsula
The Baja California peninsula is a peninsula in northwestern Mexico. It separates the Gulf of California from the Pacific Ocean. The peninsula extends from Mexicali, Baja California, in the north to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, in the south.
Satellite image of the Baja California peninsula
Isla Partida, which is part of the San Lorenzo Marine Archipelago National Park
Port of Cabo San Lucas
Baja California as seen in April 1984, from the bay of a Space Shuttle (STS-41-C)