The South is filled with innumerable historical sites.  Texas is no different.  Along the highways, you’ll find historical markers, and in almost every town, there is a piece of history whether small or great.  One instance of this is Mason, Texas.  Located on Highway 377, Mason is part of the Hill Country.  Rolling hills, pasturelands, limestone and granite river beds, this only begins to describe the geography.  The Hill Country is filled with German descendants who’ve brought their history and value to the Texas landscape.

For seniors who enjoy unearthing nuggets of history, this will be a great part of a Hill Country trip.  Fort Mason, a Texas frontier fort, was established from 1851 to 1869.  It was here that a Union general, General Robert E. Lee, served his last commission for the Union.  You’ll find the fort on the “Post Hill Street Historical Driving Tour.”  Observing the standing building, one notices it resembles Officer’s Quarter.  The Romanesque Revival architecture reflects the talent of the stone masons during the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.

While viewing the Officer’s Quarters, there is a self-guided tour.  At each doorway, you’ll receive a narrative explaining the daily lives of the officers as they guarded the community of Mason.  Step onto the rear deck and observe the rolling valley.  One can imagine the settlers as they began to inhabit the valley below.

After completing the historical drive, pop down to Mason’s town square and visit the shops. Enjoy a meal or piece of chocolate pie at Willow Creek café and rub shoulders  with many of the locals who make Mason their home, year around.  Here is a historical note you may not find in a history book- many of the divorced women (from hunters) in Mason have contributed the unusual number of taxidermy trophies hanging on the café’s walls.  You’ll see many of these as you make a trip to the lavatory.  Oh yes, when coming out of the lavatory, you are faced with a choice of three doors to enter back into the café’.  It’s like the old game show “Let’s Make a Deal.”  Ok – I pick door number???  Willow Creek café is owned by David and Angela Jisha – and no – they haven’t contributed to the trophy walls – yet.

Finally, top off your historical trip by visiting the library and viewing where author, Fred Gipson, is immortalized for his contribution to literature through his book, “Old Yeller.”  Making new history is the Fall Creek Winery where you can go in and have a wine tasting session.  As you leave out of Mason heading north – your final historical and treasured stop will be at Country Collectibles.  Meet Doris and Oliver Grote who are part of Mason’s history.  A Texas A & M graduate, Oliver was a successful rancher turned collector.  He will teach you how to test for topaz.  In his store, you’ll see one of the largest topaz gems ever found in Mason County.  If you like Texas, you’ll want to purchase one of his Texas Star cut topaz which can be fastened on a chain or use as earrings.

Just prior to our entering Country Collectibles, my history seeking friend and I were talking about buzzards, losing patience, and road kill – much to my humorous dark side I saw an old iron cut out of 2 buzzards sitting on a fence, talking about patience, and road kill.  Of course we purchased it – this will be part of our historical trip to Mason and an ironclad friendship.  Happy Traveling!