Mason in Mason County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Mason County Courthouse

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018

1. Mason County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1909, this is the third courthouse to serve the people of Mason County. Commissioners Court probably met in other locations until the first courthouse was built in 1872. It burned in 1877 and was replaced that year by a second red sandstone building. Designed by E. C. Hosford and built at a cost of $39,796, this Beaux Arts style courthouse features a center dome and clock tower, gable front porticoes with two-story Doric columns, and rusticated stonework with contrasting stone lintels.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark–1988

Erected 1988 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11286.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 30° 44.921′ N, 99° 13.916′ W. Marker is in Mason, Texas, in Mason County. Marker is at the intersection of Fort McKavett Street (U.S. 87) and Broad Street, on the right when traveling east on Fort McKavett Street. Marker is located on the north side of the Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Fort McKavett St, Mason TX 76856, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hofmann Dry Goods Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Mason & Camp Llano C.S.A.

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mason County Jail (about 300 feet away); Mason National Bank (about 400 feet away); The Commercial Bank (about 400 feet away); R. Grosse and Sons (about 400 feet away); Mason House Hotel & Stage Station (about 400 feet away); Methodism in Mason County (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mason.

Regarding Mason County Courthouse. Mason County has had three courthouses: 1875, 1878 and 1909. This last courthouse, which was being prepared for renovations, was destroyed by fire on February 5, 2021. The Courthouse caught fire Thursday night, became engulfed in flames, and is considered a total loss. Law enforcement officials have a suspect in custody that they believe started the fire.

Also see . . .
1. Mason County Courthouse. (This link presents various exterior, interior and historic photographs of the courthouse.) (Submitted on June 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Mason, Texas. The first county courthouse and a jail were built in 1869. Previously, court proceedings had been

Mason County Courthouse Marker (<i>tall view; courthouse in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018

2. Mason County Courthouse Marker (tall view; courthouse in background)

held under an old live oak tree near the town well on the northeast corner of the town square. In 1882 the jail was replaced, and again in 1984. The courthouse and all the county records burned on January 21, 1877; a new building was completed by 1878. In December 1902 the first telephone in the county was installed in the county judge's office in the courthouse. The courthouse was replaced in 1909. (Submitted on June 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Mason County Courthouse (<i>north side; view from marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018

3. Mason County Courthouse (north side; view from marker)

Mason County Courthouse Marker (<i>south side view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018

4. Mason County Courthouse Marker (south side view)

Mason County Courthouse (<i>southwest corner view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018

5. Mason County Courthouse (southwest corner view)

Mason County Courthouse (<i>west side view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018

6. Mason County Courthouse (west side view)

Current progress of Mason County Courthouse restoration image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023

7. Current progress of Mason County Courthouse restoration

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023

8. Current progress of Mason County Courthouse restoration

Mason County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, January 7, 2024

9. Mason County Courthouse

Current picture of courthouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 17, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7, 8. submitted on May 11, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 9. submitted on January 8, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.