Historical Marker

Fort Mason and Camp Llano, C.S.A.

Historical marker location:
Mason, Texas
( County Courthouse Square (southeast corner))
Marker installed: 1964
Marker size: Civil War Memorials - (pink granite)

Fort Mason, located 5 blocks south, was headquarters for the first regiment Texas Mounted Rifles 1861-62. These Confederate troops occupied the line of old U. S. forts to give protection against Indians. 215 prisoners-of-war were confined here. In spring 1862, the line of frontier defense was tightened and Camp Llano was established 9 miles east. Texas Frontier Regiment occupied this post, part of a line a day's ride apart on horseback from the Red River to the Rio Grande. Settlers then used Fort Mason for protection. Scouting parties and patrols of Confederate and state troops visited the post in aggressive warfare to keep Indians near their camps and away from settlements. Upon secession Mason County men joined regional, state and Confederate troops to protect the frontier. They usually had to supply their own guns, mounts and sustenance. Although large-scale raids had been checked, Indians roamed this area, stealing horses, attacking isolated farms, burning buildings, kidnapping women and children. However, an old Mason pioneer operated a one-mule stage route between Camp Colorado, Mason and Fredericksburg. Hiding from Indians at night, he and his mule made the trip every two weeks carrying the mail without mishap. (1964)

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Civil War forts military topics
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Texas random facts
Mason County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans back over a century. The region was originally home to indigenous tribes such as the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche, who inhabited the area for thousands of years prior to European colonization. In the early 19th century, Spanish and Mexican settlers began to establish settlements and ranches in the region.

In 1858, Mason County was officially organized, named after Fort Mason, which had been established nearby in 1851. The town of Mason quickly developed and became a central hub for the surrounding ranches and agricultural activity. The economy was largely based on ranching and farming throughout the 19th century.

However, Mason County is also infamous for the "Mason County War" that occurred between 1875 and 1876. This conflict, primarily fueled by tensions between German settlers and Mexican-American residents, resulted in several violent skirmishes and feuds. The dispute was largely over cattle rustling and land ownership, and it claimed the lives of numerous individuals on both sides.

Over time, the tensions eased, and Mason County continued to grow and develop. Today, the county boasts a peaceful rural atmosphere with a mix of ranching, agriculture, and tourism. The historic downtown area of Mason has been well-preserved, and visitors can explore its old buildings, museums, and shops. Overall, Mason County's history is a testament to the challenges and successes of early settlers in Texas and the ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mason County, Texas.

  • 1858: Mason County is established and named after Fort Mason.
  • 1861-1865: Mason County suffers from the effects of the American Civil War.
  • 1870: The town of Mason is incorporated.
  • 1877: The Mason County Courthouse is constructed, which still stands today as the oldest continuously used courthouse in the state of Texas.
  • 1887: The Mason County Jail is built, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1900: The population of Mason County reaches its peak with over 10,000 residents due to the local granite industry.
  • 1919: The granite industry declines, leading to a decrease in population.
  • 1930: The population of Mason County drops to its lowest point in over a century.
  • 1940s-1950s: Ranching becomes the leading industry in Mason County.
  • 1974: The Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve is established, providing habitat for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
  • 2006: Mason County celebrates its 150th anniversary.