University South in Palo Alto in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Birthplace of “Silicon Valley”
Photographed By Mathew H. Kohnen, November 07//07
1. State Historic Landmark #976
This garage is the birthplace of the world’s first high-technology region, “Silicon Valley.” The idea for such a region originated with Dr. Frederick Terman, a Stanford university professor who encouraged his students to start up their own electronics companies in the area instead of joining established firms in the East. The first two students to follow his advice were William R. Hewlett and David Packard, who in 1938 began developing their first product, an audio oscillator, in this garage.Erected 1989 by State Department of Parks & Recreation, Hewlett Packard Company. (Marker Number 976.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Education • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Electronics Research Laboratory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hostess House (approx. 0.6 miles away); John Adams Squire House (approx. 0.7 miles away); History of Tower Well (approx. ¾ mile away); San Francisquito Creek Watershed (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named San Francisquito Creek Watershed (approx. 0.9 miles away); El Palo Alto (approx. 0.9 miles away); Early People of the Creek (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palo Alto.
Photographed By Mathew H. Kohnen, November 7, 2007
2. Hewlett-Packard Garage
In this Garage, at the back of the home owned by William Hewlett that he and his partner David Packard designed and built their first electronics project with commerical applications, an "Audio Oscilloator."
Photographed By Mathew H. Kohnen, November 7, 2007
3. The Dave & Lucile Packard Home
This home was divided into two apartments, with the Packard's living in the 1st floor apartment & Bill Hewlett renting living & work space in the garage.
Today the home remains a private residence and is not open to the public. The property is fenced and electronically monitored. Please do not disturb the occupants and respect the homeowners privacy.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 3,972 times since then and 773 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
