Texas County Courthouses

Mason County Courthouse

Mason, Texas

Completed - 1909
Architect - E. H. Hosford & Co.
Photos: Robert Deering 9/15/2003

COUNTY ORGANIZED: 1858

COUNTY NAMED FOR: Fort Mason, which was most likely named either for Lt. George T. Mason, who was killed at Brownsville during the Mexican War, or for Gen. Richard Barnes Mason, who died only a year before the fort was established.

COUNTY SEATS: One - Mason

COUNTY SEAT NAMED FOR: Same as county

COURTHOUSES: Three - 1872, 1877, and 1909

STANDING: One - 1909 Classical Revival courthouse built of sandstone. (Destoyed by fire Februrary 2021 - see pictures below. Plans being developed for full restoration)

1909 Courthouse
Texas DoT Photo 1939

RENOVATION: Texas Historical Commision Grant Approved (Prior to Fire) - Start Date Pending

ADDRESS: 201 Fort McKavitt St, Mason, Texas

Courthouse Fire

Photo: Judge Jerry Beardon

The Mason County Courthouse was destroyed by fire set by an arsonist on February 4, 2021, leaving only the exterior walls standing. Prior to the fire, the courthouse had been cleared of furniture and records in preperation for a rennovation project. The courthouse will now be restored back to its original 1909 appearance.
Work on the exterior was nearing completion in 2023.

The suspect was apparently upset about a ruling in a family court case. In February 2024, he was convicted of arson of the courthouse and a nearby house, and sentenced to 75 years in prision.

Photo: State Fire Marshall	Photo: Gezain Peralta	Photo: State Fire Marshall

New clock tower added in 2023
Photo: Jay Janner / American-Statesman