Sonoma in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The End of the Mission Trail
1523 – 1823
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Events • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1823.
Location. 38° 17.62′ N, 122° 27.373′ W. Marker is in Sonoma, California, in Sonoma County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Spain Street and First Street East. The marker is located on the grounds of Mission San Francisco Solano. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sonoma CA 95476, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mission San Francisco Solano Sacred Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission San Francisco Solano (within shouting distance of this marker); Sonoma Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Vasquez House (within shouting distance of this marker); Toscano Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Blue Wing Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Raising of the Bear Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); Servants Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sonoma.
Also see . . .
1. The California Mission Trail. (Submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. The Mission Trail Today. (Submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional commentary.
1. Commemorative Mission Bells on El Camino Real
In 1769, El Camino Real, or the King’s Highway, was a footpath built by the Franciscans to link the California missions from San Diego to Sonoma. Much of US-101 between San Diego and Sonoma was built over El Camino Real.
Beginning in 1906, 85-pound commemorative bells, manufactured by the California Bell Company, were erected along the route of El Camino Real. These bells were hung on supports modeled after a shepherd’s crook. By 1913, 450 bells were in place. By the 1960s, most of the bells had gone missing.
In the 21st century, CalTrans installed 555 new bells manufactured by the California Bell Company based on the original design.
The mission bells have come under attack as symbols of the enslavement of indigenous people by the Spanish. The City of Santa Cruz was the first California city to remove all bells from public property.
— Submitted June 19, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,397 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on June 19, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. 4. submitted on January 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.