What are those bells all down the 101 in Califonia?

They are to commemorate the route of Father Junipero Serra and his fellow Spanish missionaries and the (general) route that they followed when founding the missions of California, starting with the San DIego Mission in 1769. For a more complete history of the California Missions, go here
The missions were one day’s walk from one another, the route being named El Camino Real (or the Highway of the King) for the King of Spain. Portions of the road are still referred to as El Camino.

The bells that you see today, are, for the most part the original bells (symbolizes the bells at each mission) Most were stolen and a project was set up to replace them. They used to sell miniature replicas at the missions (I have one that was my dad’s), don’t know if they have revived that or not.

For more info on the bells in particular go to bells

@seesul: I think you’re almost right. The bells are placed regularly at about every mile, and were used to distinguish—or advertise—the freeway.

Andrew, 101, was originally part of El Camino, or near to it. The original bells were placed as close to the original route of the Padres as possible starting in about 1906, long before the freeway was there. The older bells (when I was a kid) were not just on 101, but when possible, were on the road that was closest to the original route. For example, in southern Santa Clara County, they followed Monterey Road/Street in Gilroy went up through Morgan Hill, through the Coyote Valley on what was known as old 101/Monterey Rd up through to First Street in San Jose, jogged over to the Alameda in Santa Clara (and by the Mission there at the University) and then cut across the Valley to Mission Blvd to the Mission San Jose in Fremont and then up to Mission Dolores in San Francisco.

The original route of 101, had many stoplights through towns up the coast, and the route today bypasses most of the towns.

The new bells have been placed along 101 for the most part at as that was the route that most closely mirrored the old route. That is, until you get to Los Angeles proper when 101 ends. I didn’t notice the last time I was down there (in February) if there were bells on 5, which would be the route to the next mission after LA, Capistrano, so I’m assuming they are on 5. 5 did not exist in San Diego when I was growing up down there until I was nearly finished with High School and the route taken was a small road that followed the coast. I can’t remember what it was called, for sure, but I think it was part of one (I’ll have to ask my older sister). I grew up by the beach and went to HS overlooking the San Diego Mission and it took forever to get there, via the coastal route. The original San Diego Mission was at the Presidio, by the way.

The auto club had maintenance of the bells when I was a kid and via sponsorship, was advertising on them, which is probably where the concept of the bells as a freeway ad originated.

I had time to do a little searching today and I found this map. I have it here, but it’s easier not having to scan it. Mission Route. La Purisima moved location after a great earthquake in 1812. Many of them were damaged, as adobe was easily fractured (I saw San Fernando right after the Northridge quake and cracks formed all the way through some of the immensely thick walls). Originally La Purisima was closer to the coast. When it fell down, many natives were buried alive and, understandably they didn’t want to rebuild on the same spot. A vote was taken, and the padres submitted a petition back to Spain, and permission was granted for it to be moved. The mission is now near Lompoc and is the most fully restored and a state park. In my opinion, it’s the best one to see to get an idea of what life was like back then, as it is still in the middle of nowhere.

Each of the remaining missions is unique in style and character, as native timbers were used and the size and shape of the mission church was determined by the size and length of the timbers available.Should you get to San Juan Bautista, (in San Benito County, fairly close to 101) you can walk right up to the San Andreas faultline.

My dad’s theory was that most of the original bells were stolen. I didn’t realize until I read more about it that the replacements are concrete. No wonder they are remaining in place. I saw a few of them today and still can’t believe it. Whoever design them did a great job. It’s nice to have them back.