Alamo Portland and Roman Cement Works
a.k.a. Japanese Sunken Garden
Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, TXThe first Portland cement factory west of the Mississippi was located in San Antonio.
William Loyd discovered the cement rock while on a hunting trip and proceeded to investigate the possibility of manufacturing cement. With the help from several friends, the Alamo Portland and Roman Cement Company was organized as a hydraulic cement manufacturing venture.
Land leased from the city was quarried and the stone produced a high quality cement. The mill was adjacent to the poor house and promoters of the cement factory were encouraged by friends who told them that after they went broke they wouldn't have to go far.
During the early years of production, the sale of lime and building stone was the chief source of income. The company later expanded into sidewalk construction to show the utility of Portland cement. Newly-laid walks were covered by wooden planks, obviously for protection so that secret inspections could determine the quality of their product. Finally, General Q. A. Gillmore presented a favorable evaluation of the Alamo Cement. Among notable buildings built by the Alamo Portland and Roman Cement Company was the Texas Capitol in 1888, the second largest building in the United States at that time.
In 1907 the old quarry and plant site was deemed unsatisfactory due to inaccessibility to railroad freight. After twenty-five years at the same location, the plant was moved to its present location on Nacogdoches Road.
In 1917 San Antonio Park Commissioner Ray Lambert conceived the idea that the old quarry and works would be a suitable location for a sunken garden. Due to the money raising efforts of Park Commissioner Lambert the old Alamo Portland and Roman Cement Works was converted into a sunken garden using prison labor. Total cost of the conversion was only $7,000 which included a Mexican village. Pagoda, and the sunken gardens.
A young Japanese couple was invited to manage the gardens until the advent of World War II when Mr. and Mrs. Jingo were forced to move because of rising Japanese sentiment concerning the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
The giant smokestack, quarry pits, and kiln remain visible in the Sunken Gardens of the first Portland cement factory west of the Mississippi.
Bibliography
[MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Lesley, Robert W. History of the Portland Cement Industry in the United States. Chicago: International Trade Press, Inc., 1924.
Helen Jingu, Los Angeles, California, to Institute of Texas [sic] Cultures, San Antonio, Texas, February 25, 1969. MS. (Available at Institute of Texas Cultures, San Antonio. Texas.)
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.
Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.
Bexar County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.
1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.
1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.
1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.
1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.
1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.
1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.
Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.
1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.