Site of the First Transcontinental Call

Commemorating the first two-way long distance telephone call. normanbristol (Atlas Obscura User)

This unassuming, but attractive brick building happens to be the birthplace of several devices and technologies that changed the world. In 1869, the first monkey wrench was crafted inside this building.

This was also the same location that Thomas A. Watson answered the first phone call made over a line. Edwin Land and Polaroid laboratories also called the building home. Two plaques located on the side of the building commemorate its history.

It’s appropriate that this building is now home to LabCentral, which calls itself, “a launchpad for high-potential life sciences and biotech start-ups.” If you happen to be in the area, be sure to walk around the perimeter of the building to view the facade and plaques.