Those two things don’t sound like they go together, do they? After looking online at RoadsideAmerica and Atlas Obscura, we decided to go back to the Brackenridge Park area.
There were buildings from what remains of a concrete plant. It ran from 1880-1908. The buildings were still there and you could see some equipment if you peer through the railings.
Behind the ruins lay what used to be the limestone quarry. The city turned the quarry into a Japanese Tea Garden. It was amazing. There were koi, bridges, and a waterfall. There was a cafe as well, although it was not open when we were there. I would love to have been able to sit there and read, it was beautiful and peaceful (minus the people).
After the garden was completed, there was a caretaker for many years. The city then asked Mr. Jingu and his family to live there and maintain it. They lived there even after Mr. Jingu’s death caring for the garden, until WWII when the family was kicked out of their home due to Japanese fear. The garden was renamed. It wasn’t until 1983, that the city restored the name. Can you imagine living there for generations and then being kicked out of your home?
It’s a gorgeous area with lots of history. I would definitely check it out if you are in San Antonio!