Historical Marker

Kothmann Homesite and Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Art, Texas
( Intersection of Lower Willow Creek Rd. and SH 29)
Marker installed: 1996
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Heinrich Conrad Kothmann (1798-1881) and his wife Ilse Katherine Pahlmann (1810-1905) and their family sailed from Germany to Indianola, Texas in 1845. Among the first families to settle in Fredericksburg, the Kothmanns were issued a 640-acre land grant in Mason County in 1848. In 1856 they moved to Art and were among the first immigrant families in this area. A trained cabinetmaker and musician, Kothmann began ranching and acquired another 640-acre tract of land.

Located on their former homestead, the Kothmann Cemetery is all that remains of the original ranch site. Containing only five graves, all of Kothmann family members, the graveyard began with the burial of Heinrich Conrad Kothmann in 1881. His wife Ilse is buried beside him. Their son Karl, the first of their family born in Texas, is buried here along with his wife Katherine (Hoerster) Kothmann. A fifth unmarked grave is thought to be that of a grandchild.

Though most of the land was sold after Ilse's death in 1905, the family retained one acre including the cemetery property. The concrete wall and slab were constructed after 1937 to provide protection and ease in maintenance for the five graves. The family maintains the cemetery. (1996)

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.

gravesites pioneers German immigrants immigration
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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.