Site information:

San Jose State University, located on Tower Hall in Washington Square, San Jose

37.335191,-121.883474

Plaque information:

State plaque

Plaque text:

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 February 11, 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.

Plaque placed by the 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. April 24, 1982.

Registered 1/6/1949