This was our ninety-fifth Courthouse in Texas to visit. That means we are at 37.4% of our goal with 62.6% left to go. We were saddened by the arson’s needless destruction. Here is a link to a Go Fund Me page if you would like to donate a few bucks to help restore this beautiful courthouse.

Constructed in 1909, this is the third courthouse to serve the people of Mason County. Commissioners Court probably met in other locations until the first courthouse was built in 1872. It burned in 1877 and was replaced that year by a second red sandstone building.

Designed by E. C. Hosford and built at a cost of $39,796, this Beaux Arts style courthouse features a center dome and clock tower, gable front porticoes with two-story Doric columns, and rusticated stonework with contrasting stone lintels.

Around 10:15 PM on February 4, 2021, fire broke out at the Mason County courthouse due to arson. It is thought that an accelerant was used to spread the fire. The courthouse was completely gutted and the exterior walls are the only things left. Fortunately, all of the county records had been removed for an upcoming historical restoration after receiving a grant of over $4.1 million from the Texas Historical Commission in 2020.