University of California Berkeley in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Ernest V. Cowell Memorial Hospital
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 15, 2022
1. Ernest V. Cowell Memorial Hospital Marker
Site of the Ernest V. Cowell Memorial Hospital
1930-1993
Built for the Student Health Service
Original location of the Physically Disabled Students Residence Program
1962-1975
Erected by University of California at Berkeley.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.
Location. 37° 52.309′ N, 122° 15.264′ W. Marker is in Berkeley, California, in Alameda County. It is in University of California Berkeley. It can be reached from Piedmont Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2220 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley CA 94720, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gilman Hall (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Fitzgerald Kennedy Charter Day Speech (about 800 feet away); California Memorial Stadium (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Greatest Play in College Football History (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hans Kelsen (approx. 0.2 miles away); Piedmont Way (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Galen Howard (approx. 0.2 miles away); International House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berkeley.
More about this marker. The marker is mounted to
this page online
Also see . . . Cowell Memorial Hospital (National Park Service).
Excerpt: From its opening in 1930, Cowell Memorial Hospital had a reputation for excellence and innovation in student health care and, when needed, care for medical emergencies in the community. In 1962, the new north wing to Cowell Memorial Hospital became the campus home of Edward V. Roberts, and soon the setting of the Cowell Residence Program for disabled students at the University of California, Berkeley, and the birthplace of the Independent Living Movement. This is the historic basis that prompted Ed Roberts, catalyst of what came to be called familiarly "the Cowell experiment," to state that "Cowell Hospital was the cradle of the movement."(Submitted on May 16, 2022.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 15, 2022
2. Ernest V. Cowell Memorial Hospital Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here mounted to a low rock, by the bicycle racks on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 801 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
