Entry No. 39 — the San Antonio file — filed under: ruins

Portland Cement Plant Ruins

Established in 1880, this was the first Portland cement plant west of the Mississippi River, producing materials used to build the Texas State Capitol. After the limestone quarry was exhausted in 1908, the company relocated, leaving behind the massive 1889 brick smokestack and several kiln structures. Today, these historic industrial ruins stand preserved alongside the adjacent Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park.

The move: Take a romantic stroll through Brackenridge Park to photograph the towering 1889 brick smokestack and historic kiln ruins, then head next door to enjoy the lush pathways and koi ponds of the Japanese Tea Garden.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located in Brackenridge Park (specifically Baumberger Plaza), a public city park that is free and open to the public daily.

• 📍 San Antonio
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Atlas Obscura · mysanantonio.com

last checked: 2026-07-20