Fort Mason and Camp Llano, C.S.A.

Fort Mason, located 5 blocks south, was headquarters for the first regiment Texas Mounted Rifles 1861-62. These Confederate troops occupied the line of old U. S. forts to give protection against Indians. 215 prisoners-of-war were confined here. In spring 1862, the line of frontier defense was tightened and Camp Llano was established 9 miles east. Texas Frontier Regiment occupied this post, part of a line a day's ride apart on horseback from the Red River to the Rio Grande. Settlers then used Fort Mason for protection. Scouting parties and patrols of Confederate and state troops visited the post in aggressive warfare to keep Indians near their camps and away from settlements. Upon secession Mason County men joined regional, state and Confederate troops to protect the frontier. They usually had to supply their own guns, mounts and sustenance. Although large-scale raids had been checked, Indians roamed this area, stealing horses, attacking isolated farms, burning buildings, kidnapping women and children. However, an old Mason pioneer operated a one-mule stage route between Camp Colorado, Mason and Fredericksburg. Hiding from Indians at night, he and his mule made the trip every two weeks carrying the mail without mishap. (1964)

Fort Mason and Camp Llano, C.S.A. is a historical marker in Mason, Mason County, dedicated in 1964. It is one of 37 historical markers documented in Mason County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 49 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.7481, -99.2313 near Mason. The nearest cataloged historic site is Mason National Bank (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Mason County Courthouse, Mason County Jail, and Commercial Bank.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5319011277. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.