A drawing of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer showing the drum covers removed. The ABC Computer was built in Physics Hall (Physics Building) at Iowa State University.
The Atanasoff-Berry Computer was completed in 1942 in the basement of Physics Hall at Iowa State University. It was about the size of a desk and weighed more than 700 lbs.
John Vincent Atanasoff is standing next to the Iowa State University mascot, Cy. Dr. Atanasoff is an honored guest at VEISHEA being recognized for his achievement in building the first electronic digital computer in 1930s and early 1940s.
John Vincent Atanasoff standing in front of Atanasoff Hall, named in his honor in 1988. Atanasoff Hall is home to the Department of Computer Science at Iowa State University.
Letter from John V. Atanasoff to Warren Weaver of the Rockefeller Foundation regarding progress on his computing machine, July 10, 1940. The letter details Atanasoff's advancements on his computing machine as well as a request for assistance from Weaver.
Letter from John V. Atanasoff to R. M. Bowie of the Hygrade Sylvania Corporation regarding the purchase of vacuum tubes, June 19, 1940. The letter discusses an order of vacuum tubes that were shipped as well as the work that is being done on the computing machine.
Letter from John V. Atanasoff to R. M. Bowie of the Hygrade Sylvania Corporation regarding the purchase of vacuum tubes, July 23, 1940. The letter details a request from Atanasoff about vacuum tubes he needs to build his computing machine.
Letter from John V. Atanasoff to N. B. Krim of the Raytheon Production Corporation regarding the purchase of vacuum tubes, May 21, 1941. The letter details the type and number of tubes that Atanasoff needs to complete his computing machine.
Letter from John V. Atanasoff to N. B. Krim of the Raytheon Production Corporation regarding the purchase of vacuum tubes, July 23, 1940. The letter details the number of tubes and the voltage Atanasoff needs to complete his computing machine.
Letter from John V. Atanasoff to R. M. Bowie of the Hygrade Sylvania Corporation regarding the purchase of vacuum tubes, May 21, 1941. The letter details a request from Atanasoff for help in filling the need for vacuum tubes to be used in the construction of his computing machine.
Letter from John V. Atanasoff to R. M. Bowie of the Hygrade Sylvania Corporation regarding the purchase of vacuum tubes, January 4, 1940. The letter details the construction of a computing machine Atanasoff is building with the assistance of Mr. Berry and an inquiry about receiving a better price on vacuum tubes.