Site of Fort Mason, Mason, TX
**Mason Historic District (Boundary Increase)** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 91001526, date listed 10/16/1991Roughly, Post Hill Rd. from College Ave. to Spruce St.
Mason, TX (Mason County)
The Mason Historic District is in the City of Mason, Mason County, near the geographical center of Texas. Mason is in the Texas Hill Country, on the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau, more than 100 miles from each of the nearest major cities of Austin, San Antonio and San Angelo. The Historic District encompasses an area that was developed over a period that began with the construction of Fort Mason in 1851, and largely ended with the last major building phase of the late 1930s.
The expanded Historic District encompasses approximately 250 acres that include the central courthouse square and associated business district, historic residential areas, and the site of Fort Mason.
The site of Fort Mason is on a hill 2/3 mile due south of the courthouse square, with a commanding view of the city and the surrounding countryside. The only structure at the site of the fort is the 1976 reconstructed officers' quarters. None of the original structures are extant, although recent archeological investigations have suggested extensive remains (Jaquier, 1987). (pg 3) (1)
In 1849 United States troops established a line of seven forts from Fort Worth to the Rio Grande, known as the "Indian Frontier Line". This included Fort Martin Scott, about two miles southeast of Fredericksburg on the Fredericksburg to San Antonio Road. The line of frontier settlements moved rapidly westward, so two years later a parallel "Western Line of Defense" of forts was established. This included Fort McKavett, about 50 miles northwest of the present town of Mason.
Fort Mason was among the miscellaneous posts soon placed between these two lines of defense, established on July 6, 1851, ostensively for the protection of frontier settlers. The site for the new post was selected by Bvt. Major H.W. Merrill, and was probably named in honor of Second Lieutenant George T. Mason of the Second United States Dragoons, who was killed in the skirmish that started the Mexican War (pg 21) (1)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Form catalog.archives.gov/id/40972942
Site of Fort Mason, Mason, TX
**Mason Historic District (Boundary Increase)** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 91001526, date listed 10/16/1991Roughly, Post Hill Rd. from College Ave. to Spruce St.
Mason, TX (Mason County)
The Mason Historic District is in the City of Mason, Mason County, near the geographical center of Texas. Mason is in the Texas Hill Country, on the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau, more than 100 miles from each of the nearest major cities of Austin, San Antonio and San Angelo. The Historic District encompasses an area that was developed over a period that began with the construction of Fort Mason in 1851, and largely ended with the last major building phase of the late 1930s.
The expanded Historic District encompasses approximately 250 acres that include the central courthouse square and associated business district, historic residential areas, and the site of Fort Mason.
The site of Fort Mason is on a hill 2/3 mile due south of the courthouse square, with a commanding view of the city and the surrounding countryside. The only structure at the site of the fort is the 1976 reconstructed officers' quarters. None of the original structures are extant, although recent archeological investigations have suggested extensive remains (Jaquier, 1987). (pg 3) (1)
In 1849 United States troops established a line of seven forts from Fort Worth to the Rio Grande, known as the "Indian Frontier Line". This included Fort Martin Scott, about two miles southeast of Fredericksburg on the Fredericksburg to San Antonio Road. The line of frontier settlements moved rapidly westward, so two years later a parallel "Western Line of Defense" of forts was established. This included Fort McKavett, about 50 miles northwest of the present town of Mason.
Fort Mason was among the miscellaneous posts soon placed between these two lines of defense, established on July 6, 1851, ostensively for the protection of frontier settlers. The site for the new post was selected by Bvt. Major H.W. Merrill, and was probably named in honor of Second Lieutenant George T. Mason of the Second United States Dragoons, who was killed in the skirmish that started the Mexican War (pg 21) (1)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Form catalog.archives.gov/id/40972942