Mason in Mason County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mason County Jail
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018
1. Mason County Jail Marker
A good example of a small, nineteenth-century jail, this structure was built in 1894 from the brown sandstone available in the nearby hills. The ground floor of the county's third jail includes living quarters for the sheriff, while the jail cells are located on the second floor. The modified Romanesque Revival building features a massive entry arch, segmental arches over the windows, and a central tower.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1983
Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11287.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.
Location. 30° 44.867′ N, 99° 13.922′ W. Marker is in Mason, Texas, in Mason County. Marker is at the intersection of Westmoreland Street and Post Hill Street, on the left when traveling west on Westmoreland Street. Marker and Texas Historical Medallion are mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, just right of the main front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 Westmoreland Street, 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. Mason National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Mason & Camp Llano C.S.A. (within
this page online
Regarding Mason County Jail. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (1983)
Also see . . . Mason County.
Fort Mason was reoccupied by federal troops in 1866, but by 1868 it was permanently abandoned. The danger of Indian attacks had subsided, although there were sporadic raids as late as 1872. The county was finally able to build its first courthouse and jail in Mason in 1869. By 1871 or 1872 ranchers began to fence the ranges, first with native stone and later with barbed wire. The fencing was prompted by disputes with sheepherders and trouble with rustlers. Fence-cutting wars followed this move, and wire-cutting became a prison offense. (Submitted on June 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018
2. Mason County Jail Marker (tall view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018
3. Mason County Jail Marker (wide view; showing entry & window arches; marker right of door)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018
4. Mason County Jail (front view; showing central tower)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2018
5. Mason County Jail (wide view - along Post Hill Street)
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
6. Mason County Jail Marker's page at HMdb.org
The HMdb.org page for the marker has been printed and left as a guide for visitors.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 463 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 6. submitted on April 18, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
