HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Charles Mason

Gonzales, Gonzales County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Star and Wreath A volunteer soldier who fought for Texas Independence at Gonzales and San Jacinto. Erected by the State of Texas, 1962

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

This state marker honors Charles Mason, who took up arms in the Texas struggle for independence and fought both at Gonzales, where the revolt first flared, and at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. Erected by the State of Texas in 1962, it is one of many grave markers placed to remember the volunteer soldiers of 1836. His service links a single citizen to the founding of the Texas Republic.

Why it matters

Ordinary volunteers like Mason won Texas its independence, a turning point that would soon draw the United States and Mexico toward war.

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Related people

  • ยท Charles Mason

Related events

  • ยท Battle of San Jacinto
  • ยท Battle of Gonzales

Themes & tags

Military & WartimeMemorial

Nearby & related markers

William A. Matthews

Gonzales, TX

This state marker honors William A. Matthews, who served the Texas cause during its war for independence as a volunteer soldier, freighter, quartermaster, and courier. Erected by the State of Texas in 1962, it remembers the varied and unglamorous roles โ€” hauling supplies, carrying dispatches โ€” on which a rebel army depended.

Edward Dickinson

Gonzales, TX

This marker honors Edward Dickinson, a citizen-soldier who volunteered in the San Jacinto Campaign of 1836. Ordinary Texians like him left their farms and shops to join Sam Houston's army in the decisive campaign that won Texas its independence from Mexico. The 'Star and Wreath' emblem marks him among the veterans of that founding struggle.

Amasa Turner

Gonzales, TX

This state monument honors Amasa Turner, who served as a private, officer, and recruiter in the Army of Texas during the revolution of 1835โ€“36. Marked with the Lone Star and wreath, it was erected by the State of Texas in 1962 to commemorate his role in winning Texas independence.