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

First Normal School

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

1. First Normal School Marker

Inscription. Founded as “Minns’ Evening Normal School” in 1857, the school became the State Normal School by act of the state legislature on May 2, 1862. In 1870 the state legislature chose Washington Square as a permanent location. Destroyed by fire on April 18, 1880, and heavily damaged by the April 18, 1906 earthquake, the school was rebuilt after each disaster to remain California’s first public institution of higher learning.

Erected 1982 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Sourisseau Academy, San Jose State University Alumni, and Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 417.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1881.

Location. 37° 20.11′ N, 121° 53.005′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Central San Jose. Marker can be reached from Paseo de San Antonio Walk. This marker is to the left of the main entrance to Tower Hall on the San Jose State University campus. Paseo San Antonio Walk is a pedestrian walkway accessible from either South 4th Street or South

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7th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Tower Bell (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); Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); Letitia Building (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.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

2. First Normal School Marker

The marker is mounted on the front of the building to the left of the entrance door.

Tower Hall Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

3. Tower Hall Entrance

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

4. Tower Hall

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012

5. Tower Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 608 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 15, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.