Library Guides: Atanasoff–Berry Computer Resources: Legacy

Recognition and Accolades

In the decades since the creation of the ABC John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry have received recognition for their invention from a variety of sources.

The First Electronic Computer
A 1987 article in Physics Today that tells the story of Atanasoff and the ABC (requires subscription).
Excerpt from Honeywell, Inc. v. Sperry Rand Corp., et al.
This court decision voided the ENIAC patent on the concept of the computer. This is the portion of that document that describes Atanasoff's work as being prior art - giving the ABC primacy.
Timeline of Computer History
The ABC's entry in the Computer History Museum's timeline. Providing context for the ABC in the crowded space of "firsts" in modern computing.
John V. Atanasoff and Clifford Berry Memorial Bridge
A "flyover" bridge highway interchange near Ames that was completed in 2020 was named after Atanasoff and Berry. As an architectural element, the pylons supporting the bridge includes brickwork mimicking FORTRAN computer punch cards spelling out messages about the two men and their invention. While the ABC used punch cards in its operation, the FORTRAN language used here was a later development.
Bridge Punch Card "Quiz"
Files showing the card layout the memorial bridge uses, with a key to aid in deciphering them.

Your Librarian

Jesse Garrison

He/Him

Email Me

Contact:

294-5077

Subjects: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Geology, Mechanical Engineering, Meteorology, Physics & Astronomy