Portland Cement Plants
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This is the site of the first Portland Cement Plant west of Mississippi River and the second plant in the United States. The company was incorporated January 15, 1880, under the name of Alamo Roman and Portland Cement Company. Cement manufactured here was used in building the State Capitol in Austin, the material at this site was exhausted and the operations of the plant discontinued in 1907. Mrs. Charles Baumberger, Sr. became connected with this company on October 28, 1880, and was in charge of the business until its close. Erected by the city of San Antonio 1944. Gus B. Mauermann, Mayor Alfred Callaghan-Paul E. Steffler. Henry F. Hein-P.L. Anderson Commissioners.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1880, as the Gilded Age industrialized the American economy, San Antonio investors incorporated the Alamo Roman and Portland Cement Company on this site — the first Portland cement plant west of the Mississippi and only the second in the nation. Cement mixed here helped raise the Texas State Capitol in Austin, until the local raw material ran out and the works closed in 1907. Notably, Mrs. Charles Baumberger, Sr. ran the business from 1880 until it shut down, a rare directing role for a woman in heavy industry of that era.
Why it matters
It marks the birth of a Southwestern cement industry that would literally build the modern state, and preserves the memory of a woman leading an industrial enterprise decades before women could vote.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- San Antonio Museum of Art1.6 mi away · 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio
- Visitor's Center Museum2.2 mi away
- Artpace2.4 mi away · 445 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX
- San Antonio Fire Museum2.4 mi away · 801 East Houston Street
- Ralston Family Collections Center2.5 mi away
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)2.5 mi away
Attractions
- Japanese Tea Gardennearby
- Richard Friedrich Aquarium0.2 mi away
- Kiddie Park0.2 mi away · 3903 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- San Antonio Zoo0.3 mi away · 3903 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Murchison Tower0.5 mi away
- Little Blue Hole0.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Bonham Exchange2.4 mi away · 411 Bonham
- La Vida Coffee & Drinks2.4 mi away · 106 Jefferson Street
- Texas de Brazil2.5 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- Maddy McMurphy's Irish Sports Bar2.5 mi away · 420 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Voodoo Donut2.5 mi away
- Playland Pizza2.5 mi away
Places to stay
- Best Western Premier Historic Travelers Hotel Alamo/Riverwalk2.3 mi away
- Comfort Suites Alamo/River Walk2.4 mi away · 505 Live Oak Street, San Antonio, TX
- Residence Inn2.4 mi away
- Hampton2.4 mi away · 414 Bowie Street, San Antonio, TX
- Fairfield Inn2.4 mi away · 422 Bonham, San Antonio, TX
- SpringHill Suites2.4 mi away · 411 Bowie Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Mrs. Charles Baumberger, Sr.
- · Gus B. Mauermann
Related events
- · Construction of the Texas State Capitol
Themes & tags
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