Mason County Courthouse
The Mason County Courthouse, pictured below, is actually the third courthouse erected on this site. The first courthouse was lost to fire in 1877, being a probable target of an arsonist. A large volume of records pertaining to the "Hoo Doo" or Mason County War were housed in the first courthouse, containing names of the participates. Even today, some Mason folks refuse to discuss the conflict. The second courthouse was demolished around 1908 and replaced with the current structure. Displayed on the first floor is a host of early photos of Mason.
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| Second Courthouse, ca 1900 |
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Fort Mason
The first photo below shows the officer's quarters, reconstructed on the original foundation, located on a high hill overlooking the surrounding area. Fort Mason was one of many line forts (1851) established across Texas to protect pioneer settlements against indians. Often referred to as the "training ground for generals", Fort Mason hosted such notable leaders as Robert E. Lee and Albert Sidney Johnston. The Museum on the Square has a wonderful profile on the Fort.
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| Officers' Quarters |
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| Heading out on patrol, Fort Mason |
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Mason County M Bevan Eckert Memorial Library
Along with a great collection of archival information, the Mason County Library is also home to a wonderful display honoring Mason's own, Fred Gipson, author of "Old Yeller". For more information, please visit http://bcls.tsl.state.tx.us/mason
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| Statue of Travis & Old Yeller |
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Historical Markers
Mason County has 42 historical markers, many of which deal with episodes of the Mason County War.
Please click on the following to link and scroll down to Mason County to view specific markers:
Hill Country Rambling
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| Site of the Murder of John Whorlie |
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Banks
Two local banks in Mason house noteworthy displays: Commercial Bank has a wonderful spearpoint collection, as well as several examples of Mason's own Gene Zesch, woodcarver extraordinaire. Mason National Bank, converted from an old hotel, has a large collection of early Mason photographs, along with some very unique sculptures. During your visit to Mason, plan time to see these displays.
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| Humorous Woodcarvings |
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| Spearpoint Collection |
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| Old Photos |
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| Buffalo Sculpture |
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