The Birthplace of Silicon Valley: 391 San Antonio Road’s Transformation
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A century ago, 391 San Antonio Road in Mountain View, California, was an apricot-packing shed, whereas today it is surrounded by low-rise office buildings that accommodate Silicon Valley's tech startups. Notably, in front of this site, three large, unusual sculptures resembling water towers stand tall—two diodes and a transistor, crucial elements of electronic circuitry. In 1956, the site transformed into the Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, where groundbreaking work was undertaken to develop silicon-based components. This innovation marked the inception of Silicon Valley, establishing it as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship. The evolution of this location from agriculture to cutting-edge technology highlights the remarkable transition and growth of the region over the past century.A hundred years ago, 391 San Antonio Road in Mountain View, California, hosted an apricot-packing shed. Today, it stands among numerous low-rise office buildings along busy streets, which are home to Silicon Valley’s tech startups and aspiring billionaires. In front of the building, three large and unusual sculptures catch the eye—two-legged and three-legged figures reminiscent of water towers.
These sculptures represent oversized versions of two diodes and a transistor, essential elements of electronic circuitry. In 1956, 391 San Antonio Road became the base for Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, a startup focused on creating these components entirely from silicon. This site marks the origin of Silicon Valley.
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The Birthplace of Silicon Valley: 391 San Antonio Road’s Transformation
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