Near Soledad in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
El Camino Real Bell
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 27, 2013
1. El Camino Real Bell Marker
In 1906 guidepost bells were placed along the El Camino Real to guide early travelers and to preserve this historic route which linked California missions beginning in 1769.
www.californiabell.com
Erected by California Bell.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. 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 1906.
Location. 36° 24.278′ N, 121° 21.356′ W. Marker is near Soledad, California, in Monterey County. It can be reached from Fort Romie Road near Mission Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 36641 Fort Romie Rd, Soledad CA 93960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast and specifically on the Coast 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 Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of Original Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The De Anza Expedition in Soledad (within shouting distance of this marker); Jose Joaquin de Arrillaga (within shouting distance of this marker); Padre Florencio Ibanez (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission Nuestra Seρora Dolorosνsima de la Soledad (about 700 feet away, measured
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Los Coches Rancho (was approx. 2.1 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This marker is located on the grounds of Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad in front of the church.
Also see . . . El Camino Real Bell - California Bell. The idea of placing a marker along the highway and in front of each Mission did not come about until August 15, 1906 when a cast iron 85 pound bell and piping designed by Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes was placed into the ground at the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora Reina de Los Angeles, also know as the Plaza Church near Union Depot in Los Angeles. (Submitted on April 11, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 20, 2013
2. El Camino Real Bell Marker
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 20, 2013
3. Plaque at the base of the El Camino Real Bell
Presented by Florence D. Schoneman Sept. 24, 1966 in honor of Orinda G. Giannini, past Grand President Native Daughters of the Golden West, State Chairman Mission Soledad Restoration 1940 1966.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,214 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 11, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
