Details for Old Fort Mason

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5319011276

Data

Marker Number 11276
Atlas Number 5319011276
Marker Title Old Fort Mason
Index Entry Fort Mason, Old
Address
City Mason vicinity
County Mason
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 476485
UTM Northing 3403126
Subject Codes forts; military topics
Marker Year 1965
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location 1 mile north of Mason on US 87 in roadside park at junction of Us 87 and US 377
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text Situated near a spring long used by Indians; built of stone quarried from post hill. Fort helped protect Texas frontier from Indians. Colonel Robert E. Lee, stationed in Texas 2 years, commanded Fort Mason from February 1860 to February 1861. Here he made his decision as to his part in the Civil War, saying: "If the Union is dissolved,...I shall return to my native state and...save in defense...draw my sword on none". He left Fort Mason February 13, 1861. In wartime he remembered "the enemy never sees the backs of Texans". (1965)

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