El Camino Real, meaning “The Royal Road” in Spanish, is a historic 600-mile trail that connects the 21 Spanish missions in California, along with several sub-missions, four presidios, and three pueblos. This iconic route played a crucial role in California’s early history and continues to shape the state’s identity today.
Key Points
- El Camino Real connects 21 Spanish missions, 4 presidios, and 3 pueblos across 600 miles in California
- The route was instrumental in California’s early history and development
- Today, the trail is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of California’s rich cultural heritage
History and Significance
The original El Camino Real began in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, at the site of the first successfully established mission in Las Californias. From there, the trail extended northward, with Franciscan missionaries, led by Junipero Serra, establishing missions along the way. The first of the 21 missions in Alta California was founded in San Diego in 1769.
The Portola expedition of 1769, which included Serra and other missionaries, followed the coastline from San Diego northward, eventually reaching the San Francisco Bay. Along the way, they identified several future mission sites, which were later developed.
El Camino Real served as the primary land route between the missions, facilitating transportation, communication, and trade in the region. It connected the missions to the presidios, which were military outposts, and the pueblos, which were civilian settlements.
El Camino Real Today
Today, El Camino Real is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of California’s rich cultural heritage. While much of the original trail has been paved over or developed, portions of it can still be explored on foot or by car…