Historical Marker
Old Fort Mason
Historical marker location:
Mason vicinity, Texas
( 1 mile north of Mason on US 87 in roadside park at junction of Us 87 and US 377)
Marker installed: 1965
Situated near a spring long used by Indians; built of stone quarried from post hill. Fort helped protect Texas frontier from Indians. Colonel Robert E. Lee, stationed in Texas 2 years, commanded Fort Mason from February 1860 to February 1861. Here he made his decision as to his part in the Civil War, saying: "If the Union is dissolved,...I shall return to my native state and...save in defense...draw my sword on none". He left Fort Mason February 13, 1861. In wartime he remembered "the enemy never sees the backs of Texans". (1965).