Riverbank Laboratories

Riverbank Laboratories is a historic complex in Geneva featuring stone buildings positioned along the Fox River. The facility houses specialized rooms for acoustic testing and material analysis work.

The complex was founded in 1913 and served as the first private research institute of its type in the country. During World War I, it employed specialists who worked on decoding military communications.

The site holds significance as a pioneering center where experts worked on breaking codes and understanding communications. The buildings on the grounds reflect this role in the development of American security and intelligence work.

The site is located on Batavia Avenue in Geneva and sits easily accessible from nearby roads. Visitors should know the facility remains partially active, so tours or viewings may be limited at times.

A commemorative marker from 1993 identifies the grounds as the birthplace of American cryptology. This official recognition by a federal agency marks it as a key symbol in the origins of modern code-breaking work.

Location: Kane County

Inception: 1918

Part of: Fabyan Villa

GPS coordinates: 41.87128,-88.31414

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58