San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
El Camino Real Bell
Circa 1916
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2026
1. Camino Real Bell Marker
This El Camino Real bell was gifted by Marianne and Ray Miller. The bell signifies the importance of Mission San Juan Capistrano's place on the El Camino Real. These bells are found throughout the state as a result of an early 20th Century initiative by the California Federation of Women's Clubs. The small bronze plaque that is still attached to the pole indicates that the bell may have been fabricated as a result of a gift by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The plaque was left in place. The bell's original location is unknown.
original marker text:
This El Camino Real bell was installed at Mission San Juan Capistrano in 2019. The bell and pole were donated by long-time supporters Ray and Marianne Miller and signifies the importance of Mission San Juan Capistrano's place on the El Camino Real or King's Highway. These bells are found throughout the State as a result of an early 20th century joint initiative by the California Federation of Women's Club and bell maker Mrs. Forbes.
The Mission notes that the small bronze plaque that is attached to the pole appears to indicate that the bell was originally
this page online
Erected 2019.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real, “The King's Highway” (California) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2019.
Location. 33° 30.116′ N, 117° 39.709′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. It is at the intersection of Ortega Highway (California Route 74) and El Camino Real, on the right when traveling west on Ortega Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26851 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano CA 92675, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Peninsular Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western
Photographed by Adam Margolis
2. El Camino Real Bell Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: El Camino Real (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Stone Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission San Juan Capistrano (within shouting distance of this marker); The Founding Documents of Mission San Juan Capistrano (about 300 feet away); San Juan Capistrano Mission (about 300 feet away); Fr. Serras Church (about 300 feet away); Olive Mill (about 300 feet away); Metalworking Furnaces (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Juan Capistrano.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Mission San Juan Capistrano (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
3. Original Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis
4. Original Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 11, 2026
5. Erected 1916
By Pasadena Chapter D.A.R.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 5, 2022
6. Camino Real Bell and Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis
7. Camino Real Bell
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2021, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 913 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 5, 2022. 2. submitted on May 16, 2022. 3. submitted on December 29, 2021. 4. submitted on December 21, 2021, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5. submitted on March 15, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on May 5, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 7. submitted on December 21, 2021, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
