Baja California and Its Missions

This present work provides a history of the conquest of Baja California, beginning with an unsuccessful attempt by Hernan Cortes in 1534, followed by another failure by Padre Kino in 1883. Finally Padre Salvatierra of the Jesuit Order arrived at San Bruno, then moved to Loretto, where the Mother Mission of the Californias was founded in 1697. This book traces the activities of the Jesuits and later those of the Franciscans and the Dominicans. The story of each of the missions is told, together with notes on the present condition of each and how to reach every one of these churches. This book will be a delight to all of those who are interested in the peninsula of Baja California and the saga of the mission fathers. It will be enjoyed by arm-chair explorers but will be invaluable to all those who may wish to visit these almost forgotten churches of the Baja wilderness in person.