Commercial Digital Computer Birthplace
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
BINAC, the world's first commercial, electronic, stored program, digital computer passed verification tests here, at 3747 Ridge Ave., on April 7, 1949. Customer acceptance of UNIVAC I, the world's first open market, commercial computer, followed on March 30, 1951. J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly, co-inventors of ENIAC, led the development of both of these pioneering machines, which launched the commercial computer age.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
At 3747 Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia, the computer age turned commercial. Here BINAC passed its verification tests in 1949 as the world's first commercial, electronic, stored-program digital computer, followed in 1951 by the customer acceptance of UNIVAC I. Both machines were led by J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly, the same duo who had built the pioneering ENIAC.
Why it matters
This unassuming address marks the birth of the commercial computer industry, the foundation of the digital economy that reshaped the modern world.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia3.9 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center3.9 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center4.0 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center4.1 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Betsy Ross House4.1 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History4.1 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.4 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.9 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo2.1 mi away
- Rocky Steps2.6 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle3.2 mi away
- Philly Gun Range3.3 mi away · North Percy Street
Food & drink
- Burger King4.0 mi away
- Dunkin'4.0 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Mall Cafe4.0 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Philly Pretzel Factory4.0 mi away
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters4.0 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe4.0 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia3.5 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center3.5 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia3.6 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA3.6 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel3.6 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City3.7 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · J. Presper Eckert
- · John W. Mauchly
Themes & tags
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