Francisco Dumetz facts for kids
Francisco Dumetz was a Spanish missionary from the Franciscan religious order. He is well-known for giving the San Bernardino Valley in California its name in 1810.
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The Life of Francisco Dumetz
Francisco Dumetz was born in Mallorca, Spain. He joined the Franciscan Order there. In May 1770, he traveled to Mexico. He joined many other Franciscans at a missionary college in Mexico City.
Journey to California
Father Dumetz volunteered to work in missions with Native American communities. He was sent to California in October 1770. He sailed from San Blas, Nayarit in January 1771. He arrived in Monterey in May of that year. His first assignment was at Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Years of Missionary Work
In May 1772, Father Dumetz moved to Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. Then, in May 1782, he was assigned to Mission San Buenaventura. He continued his important mission work there until August 1797. At that time, he was asked to help start a new mission.
He helped found Mission San Fernando Rey de España. Father Dumetz stayed at Mission San Fernando from its start on September 8, 1797, until the end of 1805. For a couple of years, in 1803 and 1804, he lived in San Gabriel, California.
Final Years and Legacy
From January 1806 until his death, Father Dumetz was stationed at San Gabriel. He passed away on January 14, 1811. His burial took place in the mission church the next day. Father Dumetz was the last of the first group of friars, or missionaries, in California. He worked without stopping for forty years!
Places Named After Father Dumetz
Several places are named in honor of Francisco Dumetz:
- Point Dume was named after him, but his name was misspelled.
- Dumetz Road is located in the San Fernando Valley.
- There is also a Dumetz street in Toulon, France.
