by John Hallowell
Mason Texas: Mason Texas is the most enduring German immigrant community in the original Fisher-Miller grant purchased by the Adelsverein in 1844. Ironically, the 'way-stations' of New Braunfels and Fredericksburg flourished far more than the “Promised Land” chosen by the German noblemen, who contracted to purchase three million acres between the Llano and San Saba Rivers.
Just a few brave settlers were living here in 1847, when John O. Meusebach made a treaty with the Comanche chiefs who dominated the area. One of those was an Irishman named William S. Gamel, for whom Gamel Spring (where the treaty reportedly was signed, and where Fort Mason eventually was built) was named. And even though several small communities were formed along the Llano River that year, it wasn’t until after the U.S. Army established Fort Mason for the protection of settlers in 1851 that the population of Mason Texas really began to grow.
A cluster of settlers near the fort formed the nucleus of a town, and mail service was established in 1858, the same year Mason County was formed. James E. Ranck and Ben F. Gooch bought 5,000 acres and brought sharecroppers to grow cotton, but the Civil War ushered in two decades of hard times for the little town. Indian attacks terrorized the community for years, and when that threat diminished, cattle wars broke out between English and German settlers.
Hoo Doo War: The most violent time in Mason Texas history was the famous "Hoo Doo War," from 1874-1877, when more than a dozen Mason County residents died in a series of revenge killings.
But in spite of the Hoo Doo War Mason Texas grew; rock from the old Mason Fort was used to build two-story business houses around a spacious square. In 1909, a stately new courthouse was built. A thriving ranch economy and industrious citizens made Mason the largest town without a railroad in the whole state of Texas in 1923.
Even while it continued to prosper, its off-the-beaten-path location insulated Mason Texas from many of the forces that changed other towns during the 20th century; Mason continued as a commercial center for a stable agricultural county, but without much growth. Perhaps the biggest news in post-war Mason was the making of a Walt Disney movie in 1957, based on the novel, "Old Yeller," written by Mason County native Fred Gipson. The movie's premiere was held in Mason's Odeon Theater.
Most of Mason TX old buildings remain today; while new homes have been built around town and new businesses inhabit the old commercial buildings, the established neighborhoods and downtown business area retain much of the charm of yesteryear. Regular festivals and community events are held on the expansive courthouse lawn, and the "Mason Country Opry" is held monthly in the historic Odeon Theater where "Old Yeller" premiered. The Mason County Library has a whole section devoted to the works of Fred Gipson, and three separate museums celebrate Mason's rich history.
Several excellent restaurants and motels, including quite a number of unique bed-and-breakfasts, stand ready to welcome visitors, and a variety of shops display art, antiques and Mason Texas famous gem, the blue topaz.
The biggest event of the year is the Mason Texas Roundup, a sort of Hill Country Homecoming, held on and around the Mason Square. Other attractions include a beautiful park and golf course and the nearby Eckert James River Bat Cave. for more information, contact the Mason County Chamber of Commerce at 325/347-5758, or visit www.masontxcoc.com.
