This week's Photo Hunt theme is 'road'. I took this picture a few weeks ago when I was in San Francisco for a conference. One afternoon I headed down to the Mission district to visit Mission Dolores. This bell was set up outside the mission.
The "El Camino Real Bells" have long been in place since the early part of the last century to mark the original route of "El Camino Real" from San Diego to Sonoma in California. The El Camino Real, (Royal Highway or King's Highway), closely follows Highway 101 in California. The El Camino Real was the first roadway in the State, built by the Spanish during the early mission days.
The 700-mile-long El Camino Real linked California's chain of 21 missions, which were founded by Father Junípero Serra and reputed to be spaced one day's journey apart by horseback. Unfortunately over the years the Camino Real gave way to modern highways, primarily Routes 101 and 82. Around the turn of the century several civic groups, concerned that this historic road was being lost to "progress", worked to try to preserve it by having the state declare it a historic road and marking the original route with this legendary bell.
The bells were first erected and paid for by the Camino Real Association in the early 1900s. The Association installed the guidepost bells to mark the road and many of these bells are still standing today.
How unique to mark a road with a bell! Does anyone goes up to ring the bell?
Posted by: eastcoastlife | April 16, 2011 at 06:27 AM
An interesting way to mark and remember a historic route! :)
Posted by: YTSL | April 16, 2011 at 07:22 AM
very interesting post and the bell adds a nice touch to the road landscape.
Posted by: LifeRamblings | April 16, 2011 at 08:02 AM
Always the same first they demolish the old historical things and then they try to safe what is saveable, same here, makes me so angry.
Beautiful picture !
Posted by: Gattina | April 16, 2011 at 11:05 AM
that bell indicates mission. i have been featuring the diff missions on my photo blog (http://calrat.blogspot.com) if you want to see.
but my road is over at my wordpress if you have time to check it out.
Posted by: Ewok | April 16, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Interesting post for the theme.
Posted by: Susanne | April 16, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Happy hunting!
My first time to join, here's my entry . Thanks!
Posted by: Stef | April 16, 2011 at 01:15 PM
this is a unique landmark. great take on the theme!
Posted by: Luna Miranda | April 16, 2011 at 09:25 PM
Hi Jerry, great photo and choice for this week's theme. I wasn't aware of this part of California's history (and I live here). Thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Kathy (Trekcapri) | April 19, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Thanks for popping by to check out my 'road' shots.
Posted by: JDeQ | June 30, 2011 at 06:33 AM