As part of Spain’s imperial road system, El Camino Real connected the missions in Alta (Upper) California from San Diego to San Francisco and Sonoma. The Royal Road was central to supplying the missions with goods and people, as the several days’ journey was made by horseback or wagon. Along this historic route, the site of San Juan Bautista was called Popelouchum by the Native Mutsun (Ohlone) people. Over time, the road served Spanish and Mexican travelers as well as those who came later. In 1797, Spain occupied what is now San Juan Bautista, which became a Spanish colony. Franciscan padres created the mission to convert Native people to Roman Catholicism and teach them European agriculture and trade so they could become Spanish citizens. Portions of El Camino Real later became stagecoach roads and automobile highways, and today a large portion parallels U.S. Highway 101.

Photo: Joseph Alvarado

Photo: Joseph Alvarado