University of the Pacific in Stockton in San Joaquin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Don Bowden

Historic Landmark

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado

1. Don Bowden Marker

Inscription. Approximately 10 yards north of this spot was the finish line when Don Bowden, a University of California at Berkeley trackman, became the first American citizen to run an under-four-minute mile in the history of track and field. The historic race was run on June 1, 1957 on a clay track in what was known as Baxter Stadium with a time of 3:58.7 minutes. The race was part of the annual Pacific Association Championships.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1957.

Location. 37° 58.734′ N, 121° 18.809′ W. Marker is in Stockton, California, in San Joaquin County. It is in University of the Pacific. It can be reached from Stadium Drive east of Rudkin Way, on the left when traveling east. The plaque is mounted on a southwestern wall of the Elbert Covell Dining Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton CA 95211, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the San Joaquin Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally,

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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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Raymond College (within shouting distance of this marker); Elbert Covell College (within shouting distance of this marker); Community (approx. 0.2 miles away); Leadership (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stagg Stadium (approx. 0.2 miles away); Amos Alonzo Stagg 1862-1965 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Excellence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Willard Harrell 39 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stockton.

Also see . . . Don Bowden: 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee. The National Track & Field Hall of Fame

"A 1956 Olympian at 1,500 meters, Don Bowden is best known for being the first American ever to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile. Bowden became the U.S. mile record holder when he ran 3:58.7 in Stockton, California., on June 1, 1957, which made him the first American to break 4:00.
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, April 21, 2023

2. Don Bowden Marker
The 1957 NCAA Outdoor 880y champion, Bowden was world ranked #3 in the 800 meters by Track & Field News in 1957."

(Submitted on May 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Public Domain

3. Don Bowden

Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 3, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.