Photographer: Stan A. Williams

An officers quarters reconstructed on crest of Post Hill marks location of fort that commanded a wide view. A number of crumbling foundations still show some sites of 23 original buildings that included barracks, officers quarters, storehouses, stables, guardhouse and hospital. Primarily a cavalry post, Fort Mason was duty station for such military figures as Albert Sidney Johnston, John Bell Hood and Robert E. Lee. Fort Mason was Lee's last command in U.S. Army-from here he was called to Washington where he refused command of Union army being prepared for the War Between the States. Briefly activated after that war, Fort Mason was abandoned in 1869. The reconstructed building is on original foundations; double fireplace foundations are original, and rock used was from original building materials of fort. Fort Mason is on the Texas Forts Trail. About five blocks south of courthouse.