You don't just find yourself in Mason; you have to want to get there. Nestled in the rolling hills at the very northwest corner of this region, this pristine town was once a bastion of civilization for hunters on their way to or from various excursions, but today it's one of the Hill Country's best-kept secrets.
Originally established as a fort in 1851 by the United States government as one of many posts from the Rio Grande to the Red River to encourage growth in the region and protect settlers from Kiowa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche tribes, the town of Mason endured a tumultuous history for the better part of the Civil War under Confederate control. Following the federal government's reoccupation in 1866, the town began to see a resurgence through cattle ranching that remains a major part of the town's industry today.
Among the many things to see and do around the town, visitors shouldn't miss a trip to Fort Mason. Just up Post Hill, this historic site played a pivotal role in the success of the town by protecting settlers from Indian raids through the late 1870s, and by providing employment opportunities for residents. The fort is also known for producing some of the Civil War's most notable generals, including Albert Sidney Johnston, William J. Hardee, and Robert E. Lee.
