Fort Mason (Texas) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Mason, Texas
Fort Mason Officer's Quarters
Fort Mason Location in Texas
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Mason
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	76856
Area code(s)	325
FIPS code	48-

Fort Mason was a military fort built in Texas on July 6, 1851. It was named after George Thomson Mason, a brave United States Army officer. He was a second lieutenant who died in the Mexican–American War in 1846.

This fort was home to several important military leaders before the American Civil War. These included Albert Sidney Johnston, George H. Thomas, Earl Van Dorn, and Robert E. Lee. The army stopped using the fort in the 1870s. Later, in 1975, local people worked to restore it. Today, you can visit the Fort Mason Museum and see a recreated officers' living area.

Fort Mason was recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1936. This means it is an important historical site in Texas.

The Story of Fort Mason

Fort Mason was built by the United States War Department to protect settlers. It served as a defense line against some Native American groups, including the Kiowa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. The fort was placed on Post Oak Hill, near Comanche and Centennial Creeks.

Who Built Fort Mason?

Lieutenant Colonel William J. Hardee and surveyor Richard Austin Howard chose the fort's location. Bevet Major Hamilton W. Merrill, with two companies of soldiers, set up the fort. Mason County, where the fort is located, was named after Fort Mason when it was created in 1858.

Early Interactions and Challenges

At one point, Comanche chief Katemcy brought two young captives, aged 11 and 12, to the fort. He returned them to their families. Interestingly, these children later ran away from the fort to rejoin the Comanches. This shows the complex relationships between different groups at the time.

Fort Mason's Changing Role

The fort closed in January 1854. However, it reopened in 1856. Companies of the Second United States Cavalry then occupied it. Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston was in command. Many officers who served here later became generals in the Civil War. Some fought for the Union Army, like George H. Thomas. Others fought for the Confederate States Army, including Robert E. Lee. Fort Mason was Robert E. Lee's last command in the United States Army. Federal troops left the fort on March 29, 1861, as the Civil War began.

Fort Mason During the Civil War

The Confederate States Army took control of Fort Mason on March 29, 1861. During the war, the fort was used by the Confederacy. In 1862, the Confederate army held 215 men prisoner there. These men were later moved to Austin.

After the Civil War

The United States Army returned to Fort Mason on December 24, 1866. General John Porter Hatch led the reoccupation. During this time, the fort was repaired and improved. Both soldiers and civilians helped with the renovations.

Challenges After the War

After the Civil War, there were many challenges in the area. The period known as the Reconstruction era of the United States brought changes to the fort's soldiers. By January 13, 1869, many buildings were empty or in bad condition. There were fewer than 70 soldiers left. The army decided to close the fort on March 23, 1869.

A Brief Reopening

In 1870, the state of Texas formed new frontier forces. Fort Mason reopened in September of that year. It became the headquarters for Companies A and B of these Frontier Forces. Captain James M. Hunter, who later became a judge, was in charge. However, the fort closed for good in 1871.

Bringing Fort Mason Back to Life

Over the years, people in Mason used materials from the old fort to build their own homes. But in 1975, a project began to restore Fort Mason. Today, the Mason County Historical Society owns and cares for the fort. It stands as a reminder of an important part of Texas history.

Images for kids

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  This is a plan of Fort Mason. The red dot shows where the reconstructed officer's quarters are.

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  A historical marker at Fort Mason.

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  Another historical marker, telling visitors about the fort's past.

See also

• Fort Mason (NRHP: San Francisco Port of Embarkation, US Army)