When I was on “The 101” the other day my GPS unit reminded me that it is also referred to as “El Camino Real” (pronounce the last word as two syllables: re-AL). That term is Spanish for “The Royal Road” and it is sometimes called “The King’s Highway”. I had driven on a portion of this road when I visited San Diego a few years ago.
This is the symbol which you see many, many places along the road. A bell, hanging from a lamppost.
Although this road is found in other places, in California it represents a 600-mile stretch of road which connects 21 Missions, several Presidios, and other places of historic significance.