1872
The first courthouse is built in Mason, Texas.
1877
The first courthouse is destroyed by fire.
1878
The second courthouse is built.
1909
The second courthouse is torn down due to lack of space.
1910
The third courthouse is completed.
- Cost: The third courthouse came with a price tag of $40,000.
February 4, 2021
The third courthouse is destroyed by an arson fire.
- Convicted Arsonist: Nicholas Miller is identified as the person responsible for the fire.
July, 2024
The fourth courthouse reopens its doors after reconstruction.
- Cost: The fourth courthouse came with a price tag of $20 million.
September 28, 2024
- A time capsule is buried in the east flowerbed on the north side of the courthouse, with plans to open it in 100 years.
Mason County Courthouse Walk Through - 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fires have taken place within the courthouse?
Two fires have taken place within the courthouse since its initial construction in 1872. The original courthouse burned down due to (suspected) arson in 1877 during the infamous "Hoo Doo Wars". The third construction of the Mason County Courthouse burned down due to (confirmed) arson fire in 2021.
Where did the funding come from?
Funding came from insurance (Texas Association of Texas Risk Management Pool), Texas Historical Preservation Grant, Texas Legislature, and donation via Friends of the Mason County Courthouse.
Where is the person who set the fire? Who is he?
The convicted arsonist's name is Nicholas Miller. He grew up in Mason and now resides at a Texas Department of Corrections facility.
Are security systems now in place?
Yes. Two main security systems have been installed in the courthouse. There is a fire suppression system and a security camera system; both internal and external.
Does the current courthouse have anything of notable interest following the rebuild?
Yes! The white hallway tile is original, and the visible markings are from the fire. There are footprints in the district courtroom floor. Old ash was found in the fireplaces. The chimneys were all made of stone. The subway tiles in the hallway are made of plaster. The fireplaces are all made of metal. Marble tablets in the south hallway survived the fire.
Who oversaw the rebuild?
CPM (project manager), ArchiTexas (architects), Texas Historical Commission, and Stoddard General Construction.
How was the design determined?
Texas Historical Commission and ArchiTexas designed the rebuild to be historically accurate while still meeting current codes.
How much did the rebuild cost? How much did it cost the taxpayers?
The courthouse budget was $19.6 million. Funding to rebuild was secured through preservation/restoration grant, Tx Legislature, insurance, and donations to Friends of the Mason County Courthouse. No ad valorem taxes were directly used to rebuild the courthouse.
When are we going to open the time capsule? Where is it buried?
The time capsule will be opened 100 years after its burial on September 28, 2024. It is buried in the east flowerbed on the north side of the courthouse.