81R585 JGH-D
By: Hilderbran H.R. No. 24
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Mason County, an area noted for its
colorful history and scenic beauty, celebrated the 150th
anniversary of the establishment of their county in 2008; and
WHEREAS, This pastoral corner of the Texas Hill Country was
originally a hunting ground for the Lipan Apache and Comanche
peoples; in the 1840s, German colonists from Fredericksburg and New
Braunfels began to settle the region; and
WHEREAS, Fort Mason was established in 1851 to protect the
new settlers from Indian attacks; on the eve of the Civil War,
Robert E. Lee, then a colonel commanding the 2nd Cavalry Regiment,
made his headquarters at Fort Mason; it was his last command under
the United States flag before he resigned to join the Confederate
Army; and
WHEREAS, Mason County was created by the Texas Legislature on
January 22, 1858, and three years later the town of Mason, adjacent
to the fort, was chosen as the county seat; cattle ranching quickly
became the foundation of the county's economy; disputes over
rustling, as well as ethnic tensions, led to a feud known as the
Mason County War that lasted from 1875 to 1877; and
WHEREAS, While ranching continues to thrive in Mason County,
the area's popularity as a hunting and fishing destination has
added another dimension to the local economy; visitors can also
witness the flight of millions of Mexican free-tailed bats from the
Eckert James River Cave on summer evenings or explore the charming
county seat; in addition to its architecture, shops, galleries, and
restaurants, the town of Mason boasts a prominent literary
association as the home of Fred Gipson, who wrote the book Old
Yeller; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of Mason County are justifiably proud
of their rich heritage, and it is a privilege to recognize this
significant milestone in the history of this unique area of the Lone
Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of the
founding of Mason County.