Junípero Serra: California's Founding Father

<section> <p>Jun&iacute;pero Serra was a Spanish Franciscan friar who founded the first nine missions in California. He is considered the "founding father" of the state, and his legacy is still debated today.</p> </section> <section> <h2>Early life</h2> <p>Jun&iacute;pero Serra was born on November 24, 1713, in Petra, Majorca, Spain. He was the son of a peasant farmer and a seamstress. Serra showed an early aptitude for learning and was ordained a priest in 1737.</p> </section> <section> <h2>Missionary work</h2> <p>In 1749, Serra was sent to Mexico to serve as a missionary. He spent the next 15 years working among the indigenous peoples of the Baja California peninsula.</p> </section> <section> <h2>Founding the California missions</h2> <p>In 1769, Serra was asked to lead an expedition to Alta California (present-day California). He and his companions founded the first mission, San Diego de Alcal&aacute;, in July 1769.</p> </section> <section> <h2>Legacy</h2> <p>Jun&iacute;pero Serra founded a total of nine missions in California. These missions played a major role in the development of the state. They served as centers of religious instruction, agriculture, and trade.</p> </section> <section> <h2>Controversy</h2> <p>Serra's legacy is still debated today. Some people argue that he was a great man who brought Christianity to California. Others argue that he was responsible for the oppression of the indigenous peoples.</p> </section> <section> <p>Jun&iacute;pero Serra was a complex and controversial figure. His legacy is still being debated today. However, there is no doubt that he played a major role in the founding of California.</p> </section>

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A painting of Junípero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan friar who founded the first nine missions in California. He is standing in front of a mission, with a group of indigenous people gathered around him.

Junipero Serra: California's Founding Father

by Steven W. Hackel

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Junipero Serra: California's Founding Father

by Steven W. Hackel

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5086 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages

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