Here is a quick list of businesses that already have our commemorative Bells. Follow this link and help support historic 66 businesses.
Click the button below and follow the bells from the desert to the beach. Enjoy coveted historical places, great local food and California scenery as you go.
Before route 66 became the American icon that it is, parts of its road started out as mission trails used by San Gabriel Mission in the late 1700s early 1800s. These trails were used to herd cattle to the Cucamonga valley for grazing and was the road used to transport wine from the mission wineries in the same region. These trails were part of a network Spanish roads or trails called El Camino Real which were largely used to connect 21 missions across California from the south to the north reaching from San Diego to Sonoma serving as vital routes for distribution and travel but did include a trail running along the San Gabriel mountains to the mission as part of this network. In 1892 Anna Pitcher started marking El Camino Real with special mission bells to commemorate the old mission trail. Today you can still see El Camino Real bells on or near foothill Blvd (old route 66). There is also the Old Spanish trail that overlapped the Mission Trail that connected New Mexico to Los Angeles and Southern California using some road.
As America expanded westward in the 19 th century the mission trails evolved into National Old Trails Road which, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean highway. Large portions of this road were integrated into to what later became route 66. By the early 20 th century, they facilitated travel and commerce, becoming essential paths for early settlers heading toward new opportunities in the West.
Officially establish on November 11, 1926, route 66 became one of the most famous highways in the United States stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica California. It mobilized freedom, adventure and fostered the American dream. It provided mobility across the country to the masses and became imbedded into the American culture. The original signs, distinctive with their black and white design became markers of this beloved and important highway. During the grapes of wrath it represented hope for ravaged Midwest states in the 1930s dustbowl.
California played a crucial role in the culture and allure of Route 66. The highway brought countless travelers to vibrant cities like Los Angeles, Sana Monica and Pasadena and the Inland Empire. Along the way they encountered unique attractions, roadside diners, and motels that defined the Route 66 experience. Sites like the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia and the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino became legendary stops.
Inspired by the historic mission bells that once guided travelers along the El Camino Real in California, the black bell serves a similar purpose. The mission bells, often placed on tall posts along El Camino Real to help travelers navigate the historic route between missions. These bells help us navigate to the existing places the defined the route 66 journey, the heritage, and the stories that shaped our nation.