Historical Marker

Peter's Prairie School

Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

DURING THE 1850s AND 1860s, MASON COUNTY LANDOWNER, “MAJOR” JOSHUA PETERS, SUPPLIED CUT PRAIRIE GRASSES FROM HERE TO FORT MASON FOR THEIR HORSES. THE COMMUNITY WHICH DEVELOPED TOOK THE NAME PETER’S PRAIRIE. IN 1877, JOHN RHOADS AND W. H. MORRIS PETITIONED COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO OPEN A COMMUNITY SCHOOL ON LAND DEEDED BY LARKIN MORRIS SOUTH OF THE PRESENT SITE. RHOADS, W. H. MORRIS, AND C. COALSON WERE NAMED TRUSTEES, AND $149.60 WAS RAISED LOCALLY TO FUND THE NEW PICKET SCHOOLHOUSE, WHICH OPENED WITH 59 STUDENTS. MISS JANE HURLEY WAS ONE OF THE EARLIEST TEACHERS. IN 1894, J. W. HENRY BOUGHT FOUR ACRES FROM J. H. TABOR TO BUILD A FRAME SCHOOL AT THE CURRENT SITE. CITIZENS SHOWED THEIR COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION BY RAISING THEIR AD VALOREM TAX RATE FROM 20 TO 50 CENTS PER 100 DOLLARS VALUATION IN 1913.

AFTER PETER’S PRAIRIE AND FIKES SCHOOLS CONSOLIDATED IN 1921, A NEW THREE-ROOM SCHOOL WAS BUILT FROM MASONRY BLOCKS POURED AND FORMED ON MS. ANNA MARTIN’S PROPERTY ON THE LLANO RIVER AND HAULED HERE BY WAGON. THE GROUNDS INCLUDED A WATER WELL, PLAYGROUND, AND COURTS FOR BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND TENNIS. MASON COUNTY’S CHAMPIONSHIP TENNIS TRADITION STARTED HERE, INTRODUCED BY WALTER ADKINS. HELEN SELL TALLENT, WHO PLAYED HERE, WAS AN INAUGURAL INDUCTEE OF THE TEXAS TENNIS COACHES ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME. PETER’S PRAIRIE TAUGHT GRADES ONE THROUGH TEN, AND THE HIGH QUALITY OF EDUCATION WAS CONFIRMED BY NUMEROUS ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC AWARDS WON BY STUDENTS IN RURAL SCHOOL COMPETITIONS. ALTHOUGH PETER’S PRAIRIE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED WITH MASON SCHOOLS IN 1946, THE SCHOOLHOUSE CONTINUES TO SERVE AS A CENTER OF LOCAL ACTIVITY AND AS THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY. THE SCHOOL HAS HOSTED SUCH COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS AS DANCES, LUNCHES, SHOWERS, MUSICAL PERFORMANCES, CHRISTMAS PARTIES, AND A QUILTING CLUB

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.

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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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.