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

Letitia Building

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

1. Letitia Building Marker

Inscription. This commercial building was named for Letitia Burnet Ryland, daughter of the first American civil governor of California, Peter Hardeman Burnett, and wife of San Jose councilman C.T. Ryland. Some have speculated that Peter Burnett’s election was ensured, in what was then a predominantly bachelor state, by the existence of his three beautiful daughters. Letitia remained in San Jose for most of her life, long after her father had resigned the governorship. The building that bears her name was designed by Jacob Lenzen and was constructed in 1890.

Erected by San Jose History Walk. (Marker Number 29.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 37° 20.102′ N, 121° 53.376′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. It is on South 1st Street south of West Santa Clara Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 70 South First Street, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Knox-Goodrich Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of World’s First Broadcasting Station

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(about 400 feet away); World’s First Broadcasting Station (about 400 feet away); Bank of America Building (about 400 feet away); San José Academy (about 500 feet away); Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station (about 500 feet away); St. Joseph’s Cathedral (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

2. Letitia Building Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

3. Letitia Building Marker

The Letitia Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

4. The Letitia Building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,436 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 14, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.