Mason House Hotel & Stage Station
Mason, Mason County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1869-70 by S. F. (Lace) Bridges, the Mason House was a hotel and stagecoach stop on the San Antonio to El Paso Road. It was a popular stopping place, providing respite for many weary travelers and hearty meals for local residents. A tragic fire in 1900 resulted in the death of 23-year-old Annie Medlock. Eventually the building was converted into apartments, and some alterations occurred in the 1930s, including the addition of an exterior stairway. A number of historic features still remain on the property, including the original kitchen cistern and stone fences. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -1999
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1869–70 by S. F. "Lace" Bridges, the Mason House served as a hotel and stagecoach stop on the San Antonio to El Paso Road. It offered weary travelers rest and local residents hearty meals, and was marred by a tragic 1900 fire that killed 23-year-old Annie Medlock. Later converted to apartments, it still keeps historic features such as its original kitchen cistern and stone fences.
Why it matters
It marks the era of overland stagecoach travel that connected far-flung frontier Texas before the railroads arrived.
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Related people
- · S. F. "Lace" Bridges
- · Annie Medlock
Themes & tags
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