fort mason

Turn back the clock to the 1850's and see what life and celebrating Christmas was like if you were living in a fort on the Texas frontier. Each room in the officer's quarters is decorated and furnished in authentic period furniture. There is plenty of information on the over 20 Civil War generals who were at one time commanders at Ft. Mason. You also have an incredible view of the town and surrounding countryside and can see what this spot was chosen for a fort.

If you are in the area and have nothing else to do, climb the hill to the exhibit on Fort Mason. Its a replica of the officers quarters, as the original fort is long gone. Not very impressive unless you are into civil war generals. The exhibit is unmanned and basically features curved windows that you can see into each room.

This is a great part of history if you want a scenic view and are passing through the small town of mason. Don't waste your time traveling just to see this historical site because it takes all of 5 minutes to see the whole thing

Definitely worth the stop if you like this sort of thing. The officer's house at Fort Mason is located up on the hill, so there is a view, and even in mid-summer there was a cool breeze when standing on the front porch. The rooms have displays and information where visitors can see what life was like back then on a fort. Interesting to think that Robert E. Lee once lived there. Free!

This is a great "quick stop" for anyone interested in a bit of history. Not much here, but they did a great job with what they had to offer. It is really an educational scenic overlook.

We Toured the replica of the officer's quarters at Fort Mason and enjoyed the panoramic view from the Top of Post Hill. Even in summer cool breezes come through the double log cabin. Mason citizens recycled the material from the fort when building their own homes after the fort closed. A restoration of the fort began in 1975, which was spearheaded mainly by one individual. Today, the fort belongs to the Mason County Historical Society. There is one building from the fort which is original, and it is down the hill from the replica. You can recognize it by the red stone and the gun slits in the walls. It is on private property, but you can get a good look at it from the street. Combine the visit to Fort Mason and the two small museums in town, and you have a great overview of the area's history.What impressed us the most was that Fort Mason was Robert E. Lee's last command with the United States Army. Fort Mason was established July 6, 1851 in what later became Mason County. It was named in honor of Lieut. George Thomson Mason, United States Army Second Lieutenant killed in the Thornton Affair during the Mexican–American War near Brownsville, April 25, 1846. The fort was abandoned by the military in the 1870s.