Welcome to Mason, Texas a charming community where history weaves a vibrant tapestry of tales, shaping its future with every thread. If you’re an adventure seeker or a curious traveler, Mason’s story is one you won’t want to miss. This town’s past is not just a timeline; it’s an enthralling narrative filled with colorful characters, significant events, and intriguing mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
To truly appreciate where Mason is headed, it’s essential to delve into its history; and what better place to embark on your journey than the local museums.
Whether you're strolling through exhibits or listening to tales from knowledgeable guides, Mason County's local museums provide a deeper understanding of Mason's roots. So, pack your bags and set out on a historical adventure when you visit Mason. You’ll gain not only insights into its past but also a fresh perspective on its promising future.
Mason County Museum: located @ 505 Moody Street
Phone: 325-347-5218
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
If you look just southwest of the town square, sitting across the creek on a slight hill, you’ll see a beautiful old two-story rock building. Being practical about naming things, Mason locals call it the Old Historical Building. This architectural delight is home to the Mason County Historical Museum and to various government offices. Park on the tree-lined east side (overlooking the city pool and the library) and come spend some time looking back at the past.
There are both geological and human artifacts, and you can spend a great deal of time just admiring the minutiae which has been collected. Don’t miss the mastodon tusk (as if you could) and look closely at the detail work on some of the old brass buttons found around the site of the fort. Have fun and treat yourself to a stroll around the grounds when you’re done with your visit.
Just to the north of the building, you’ll see an old baseball field with stone bleachers. This is Mason’s newest addition to our public spaces, Heritage Park.
Mason Square Museum: Located @ 130 Ft. McKavitt St ( North Side of the Square)
Mail = P.O. Box 203 Mason, Texas 76856
Phone: 325-347-0507
Email: masonsquaremuseum@gmail.com
Hours: Friday & Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Back down on the town square, Mason’s newest museum addition is aptly named, the Mason Square Museum. It is a more compact version of the Mason County Historical Museum, but with its own unique exhibits (including the largest blue topaz found in the United States).
The Museum is arranged in a chronological timeline from the earliest geology of Mason County to ranching and banking. Children will love the Mammoth tusk dating back 25,000 years ago. Panels show Prehistoric Man from 11,500 B.C.to the Native Americans and German Immigrants of the 1800’s. This leads into the founding of Fort Mason which became a training ground for many Generals, including Robert E. Lee. Many artifacts from the Fort are on display, including pottery, coins, uniform buttons, etc. In the years following the abandonment of the Fort, Mason County lost several children to Indian raids. Some of these captives were later rescued and returned to their families.
Mason County also had their own internal skirmishes and feuds which led to the Mason County War, also known as the Hoo Doo War.
In 1904, a large blue “rock” was found, weighing 6,480 carats (almost three pounds). The rancher used it as a doorstop until it was identified as a blue topaz. This topaz, which is also the Texas State Gem, is on loan from the Smithsonian Institute until September 2027.
The Museum is located on the north side of the square across from the courthouse at 130 Ft. McKavitt and is open Fridays and Saturdays, year-round, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tours outside of schedule can be arranged. Call 325-347-6781
Find out more about the history of Mason by visiting the Mason County Historical Commission.
Mason Military Museum: located @ 237 Post Hill, Mason, TX 76856
Phone: 325-347-6021
Mason Military Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the American military. Our exhibits showcase a wide range of weapons, uniforms, and artifacts from various eras and wars. Located in the heart of Mason, Texas, our museum offers a unique and educational experience for all visitors.