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

Tower Bell

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

1. Tower Bell Marker

Inscription. Cast to commemorate the California State Normal School in 1881, this 3,000-pound bell was rung at 8 a.m. each morning until the earthquake stilled its voice in 1906. In 1910, the bell was re-installed in the maim building of the newly constructed Tower Hall, where it was rung on special occasions. In the early 1960s, seismic concerns led to it retirement and relocation at ground level.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 37° 20.131′ N, 121° 53.004′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Central San Jose. It can be reached from Paseo de San Antonio Walk. The marker and bell are on the San Jose State University campus just north of Tower Hall. Paseo San Antonio Walk is a pedestrian walkway accessible from either South 4th Street or South 7th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco

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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: First Normal School (within shouting distance of this marker); Bickur Cholim (approx. 0.2 miles away); San José Academy (approx. 0.3 miles away); New Century Block (approx. 0.3 miles away); Letitia Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of World’s First Broadcasting Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); World’s First Broadcasting Station (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

The Tower Bell and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

2. The Tower Bell and Marker

December 4, 2025

3. Tower Bell

Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 596 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on December 5, 2025. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.