El Camino Real Bell

A place along the original route of El Camino Real, “The Kings Highway,” lay on the road connecting the twenty-one missions from San Diego to Sonoma. The first bell, suspended from a pipe resembling a shepherd’s staff, was erected in 1906, and by 1913 more than 450 stood at various locations along the 700 mile route throughout California. Donated by civic organizations and individuals, the bells were first set in place by Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes, president of the El Camino Real Association. This bell was refurbished in 1985 and rededicated on March 4, 1999, commemorating this historic site on the trail used by the California Mission padres and the 200th anniversary of the San Luis Rey Mission.

California · United States