Michigan Central Railroad Mason Depot

a.k.a. Mason Depot Ice Cream Parlor

111 N. Mason St., Mason, MI
Local significance of the building:
Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
  A brief timeline of the history of the Republic of Texas
  • 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
  • 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
  • 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
  • 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
  • 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
  • 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
  • 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
  • 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Although the Republic of Texas was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1836 to 1845, it played a significant role in shaping the history of Texas and its eventual integration into the United States.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Michigan was the birthplace of the American automobile industry. In the early 20th century, automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler established headquarters and factories in Michigan, leading to a boom in the state's economy and population. Detroit became known as the "Motor City" and a symbol of American industrial power.
Ingham County, Michigan has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Ojibwe, who used the land for hunting and gathering. European settlement began in the early 1830s, with the arrival of pioneers who established small farming communities.

The county was officially established in 1838 and named after Samuel D. Ingham, who was the Secretary of the Treasury under President Andrew Jackson. The county seat, Mason, was established in 1847 and remains the administrative center. During this time, the county experienced rapid growth and development, with agriculture as the primary industry. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated economic growth.

Ingham County played an important role in Michigan's history during the Civil War. The county contributed soldiers to the Union Army, and its residents actively participated in the war effort. In the post-war years, the county experienced further growth and expansion, with the establishment of educational institutions, parks, and cultural amenities.

Today, Ingham County is a vibrant and diverse area, home to Michigan State University, which was founded in 1855 and is now one of the largest universities in the United States. The county is also known for its government institutions, such as the Michigan State Capitol building and the Michigan Supreme Court. Ingham County continues to be an important center for education, government, and agriculture in the state of Michigan.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Ingham County, Michigan.

  • 1829 - Ingham County is established as a county in the state of Michigan.
  • 1837 - The first county courthouse is built in Mason, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1841 - The Michigan State Capitol is relocated from Detroit to Lansing, becoming the state capital and bringing economic growth to Ingham County.
  • 1850 - The first public library in Lansing, the state capital, is established.
  • 1855 - Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) is founded in East Lansing.
  • 1863 - The Michigan State Capitol building is completed and becomes the principal government building.
  • 1897 - A devastating fire destroys much of the city of Lansing, leading to a significant rebuilding effort.
  • 1941 - The U.S. Army establishes Camp Lansing, which later becomes part of the Michigan National Guard.
  • 1951 - The Michigan State Police Training Academy is established in Lansing.
  • 1963 - The Lansing Civic Center (now named Lansing Center) is opened as a multi-purpose event facility.
  • 1998 - The Michigan State University Stadium, Spartan Stadium, undergoes a major expansion, increasing its capacity.