| Vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico has | | | | were sent by Spain to convert the local Indian |
| become one of the most popular destinations for | | | | population. However, in 1734 the Indians rebelled |
| vacationers. The town is located at the southern | | | | and drove out the Jesuit priests. |
| most tip of Baja California peninsula. It is serviced | | | | By this time the peninsula was called California and |
| by an airport in Los Cabos which is located about | | | | nothing of significance happened in the area until |
| 22 miles from this quiet Mexican resort town. | | | | the American-Mexican War of 1848-1850. |
| Cabo San Lucas was founded by a Spaniard | | | | After the American-Mexican War the Americans |
| named Herman Cortez in 1573. It's original name | | | | gave the Baja California Peninsula back to Mexico |
| was Santa Cruz, In 1596 that name was changed | | | | since there were no natural riches to be found. |
| to La Paz by Sebastian Vizcaino. Explorers and | | | | However, shortly after WWII, wealthy Americans |
| fortune seekers were lured to Cabo San Lucas in | | | | began to vacation in what was then known as |
| search of gold and pearls. However, they were | | | | Cabo San Lucas. They pooled there resources |
| not successful because there was very little gold | | | | and built the Las Cruses Hotel and many hotels |
| and pearls to be found. They did find a very | | | | followed. |
| hostile local Indian population. | | | | Cabo San Lucas is one of the most sought after |
| The town became a hub for trade between the | | | | vacation spots in the world and has many |
| Phillipines to Acapulco, Mexico to Spain for silk, gold | | | | attractions such as world class golfing, great |
| silver and spices.The actual harbors were located | | | | sports fishing, beautiful beaches, swimming |
| in San Jose Del Cabo, about 18 miles north of | | | | snorkeling, whale watching, I personally saw |
| Cabo San Lucas, because the waters in Cabo San | | | | hundreds of dolphins while deep sea fishing in the |
| Lucas did not have a shipping harbor. Since pirates | | | | Sea of Cortez. It has interesting shops and a |
| from Russia, Holland and England were raiding the | | | | newly completed shopping mall. It has nightlife with |
| Spanish cargo ships the Spanish decided to close | | | | many clubs and great restaurants for fine dining |
| the Baja California Peninsula to all other countries | | | | or family dining. It is a fun and exciting vacation |
| and resettle the Indian population to protect its | | | | paradise. |
| interests. | | | | Copyright 2009 Harvey J. |
| The Jesuit priests of the Spanish Catholic Church | | | | |