Francisco Gómez Palacio y Bravo

Who was Francisco Gómez Palacio y Bravo?

Francisco Gómez Palacio y Bravo was a Mexican writer, educator, jurist and Liberal politician. He served twice as governor of the State of Durango. In October 1887 he was declared Benemérito of the state by the Legislature.

Gómez's parents, Victoriano Gómez del Palacio and Manuela Bravo, were Spaniards by birth. Gómez studied in the Seminario Conciliar of Durango, considered at this time to be the best educational institution in northern Mexico. He grew up in an atmosphere of culture, with excellent teachers, and came to love scholarship. He was fluent in six foreign languages — Greek, Latin, English, French, German and Italian. He was considered one of the most cultured men of his time, not only in Durango but in the country. His speeches were enriched with quotes from classical and world thinkers.

He translated Mark Twain's novel Life on the Mississippi into Spanish.

Gómez was the founder of the Civil College of the State, now Juárez University of Durango, as well as rector and professor at the college. In addition to his terms as governor of Durango, he also served three times in the Mexican Congress.