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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GARDEN
Prior to 1877, the eastern end of Mahncke Park was a limestone quarry and details of the quarry's operations are unknown. In 1877, J. B. LaCoste and Associates contracted with the City of San Antonio to construct a water works system. LaCoste and Associates sold the water company to G. W. Brackenridge in 1883 who later became convinced that there was danger of complete failure of the San Antonio River as a water supply in the event of a long period of drought. By 1890, city residents became alarmed at the possibility that the river and the open reservoir would become contaminated. As a result, wells supplying pure artesian water began to be used to the exclusion of the surface water supply system and the reservoir was abandoned. In 1899, Brackenridge deeded the water works land and properties to the City.
Mrs. R. R. Witt and Mrs. Joseph Murphy conceived the idea of a Botanical Garden in San Antonio in the 1940’s. Together with their friends and associates, they organized the San Antonio Garden Center. Their first major effort was the development and presentation of a master plan for a public botanical garden in the late 1960’s. The recommended garden site became the former Brackenridge waterworks land which was being held by the city.
Funding for ground work began in 1970, when voters approved $265,000 in bonds for the Garden. This money, along with a grant awarded five years later by the Ewing Halsell Foundation, other contributions from organizations and individuals, and a significant grant from the Economic Development Administration helped pay for the project. Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on July 21, 1976. The official opening was May 3,1980.
The entire site is now known as the San Antonio Botanical Center. This includes both the 33-acre San Antonio Botanical Garden and the adjacent San Antonio Garden Center. The Garden Center is operated under contract by the non-profit Garden Center, Incorporated, although the facility is still owned and maintained by the City of San Antonio.
Charted in 1980, the San Antonio Botanical Society is the 501 (c)(3) non-profit support organization specifically established in support of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The mission of this organization is to support the San Antonio Botanical Garden in its role of connecting people to the plant world through experience, education, and research.
In this public/private partnership, the Botanical Society has brought major capital improvements to the Botanical Garden: the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, the Sullivan Carriage House, the Auld House, acquisition of Funston properties, the Texas Native Trail revitalization, upgraded children’s facilities, and extensive landscape lighting. Community events sponsored by the Botanical Society (Shakespeare in the Park, Gardens by Moonlight, Concerts Under the Stars, Walk Across Texas, family days such as BOOtanica and Chocolate Day, and plant sales) heighten public awareness of the Botanical Garden. Marketing and public relations efforts further extend the role of the Botanical Society in making the Botanical Garden a compelling attraction for the City of San Antonio.