The King’s Highway: El Camino Real

Today, in California, the influence of generations of Spanish-speaking people can be seen everywhere you look and listen—from music and language to food, art, and architecture. One of the reasons for this? A road called EL CAMINO REAL.

In 1769, during the height of the Spanish empire, a Franciscan priest named Junípero Serra, built a road connecting California’s Catholic missions—from San Diego to Sonoma—to establish a system of self-reliant missions a mere day’s travel apart. From this route, Father Serra and the Franciscans spread the Spanish language, culture, technology, and the Roman Catholic religion. In this special documentary, HISTORY™ draws on expert interviews, breathtaking high-definition mission footage, and historical re-creations to retrace the arduous journey of Father Serra as he founded this historic road. Get an inside look at the lasting impact Father Serra’s life has had on modern-day culture, and explore the colorful history of the missions and the highway itself, including restoration efforts and “living history” societies.

THE KING’S HIGHWAY: EL CAMINO REAL tells the incredible story of this fascinating region and the Spanish hero who was one of its most important pioneers.