San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Birthplace of A.P. Giannini

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

1. Birthplace of A.P. Giannini Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Amadeo Peter Giannini, founder of the Bank of Italy – now the Bank of America – was born at 79 N. Market St. on May 6, 1870. Perhaps San Jose's most famous native, Giannini is considered by many to be the greatest figure in American banking. A liberal in a conservative field, he revolutionized and humanized banking practices, creating the world's largest and most powerful branch-banking system while maintaining his commitment to the ideal of equal treatment and opportunity for all people.

Erected by City of San Jose.

Location. 37° 20.198′ N, 121° 53.587′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. Marker is on North Market Street south of East Saint John Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is mounted on a pole in front of a parking garage. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 79 North Market Street, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Juan Bautista de Anza Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Luis María Peralta Adobe (about 500 feet away);

By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

2. Birthplace of A.P. Giannini Marker

Thomas Fallon House (about 500 feet away); Farmers Union Building (about 500 feet away); San Jose Mercury News (about 600 feet away); Main Post Office (about 600 feet away); Electric Light Tower (about 600 feet away); Letitia Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Regarding Birthplace of A.P. Giannini. The "Bank of Italy" was founded by A. P. Giannini, on October 17, 1904 and the name changed to "Bank of America" in 1928. Giannini also founded what is known today as the Transamerica Insurance and Investment Group.

Also see . . .
1. Who Made America – A.P. Giannini. The son of immigrants who made loans to immigrants when other bankers refused. He built a vast western banking empire, fueling California's growth, and created a national system of branch banks to serve ordinary people. (Submitted on April 27, 2010.)

2. Downtown San Jose History Walk. This building (Site #12) is featured, along with 30 additional sites on the Downtown San Jose History Walk. (Submitted on April 27, 2010.)

3. History of Transamerica Corporation. As part of

A.P. Giannini image. Click for full size.

Wikipedia, circa 1922

3. A.P. Giannini

his long-range vision of providing financial services to the general public, Giannini acquired Occidental Life Insurance Company through Transamerica Corporation in 1930. Occidental first opened its doors to customers in 1906, and had established itself as a major force in the life insurance business on the West Coast. (Submitted on April 27, 2010.)

Categories. • Industry & Commerce •

Transamerica Pyramid image. Click for full size.

Wikipedia

4. Transamerica Pyramid

This well known San Francisco Landmark was the headquarters of The Transamerica Corporation. It is still strongly associated with the company and is depicted in the company's logo. Designed by architect William Pereira

More. Search the internet for Birthplace of A.P. Giannini.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2019. This page originally submitted on April 27, 2010, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. This page has been viewed 938 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2010, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California.