Cities and Towns in Mason County, Texas
Founded in 1858, Mason County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Mason County was formed from Gillespie County. The city of Mason is the county seat. With FIPS code of 319, Mason County has a population of 3,943 and area of 932 square miles (2,414 km²).
List of all cities in Mason County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Art, TX | 76820 | 325 |
| Fredonia, TX | 76842 | 325 |
| Mason, TX | 76856 | 325 |
| Pontotoc, TX | 76869 | 325 |
| Streeter, TX | 76856 | 325 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mason County, Texas
Mason County, located in the central part of Texas, is known for its picturesque Hill Country landscapes, rolling hills, and charming small-town atmosphere. The county is home to several towns, each with its own unique character, rich history, and rural beauty. Below are the major cities and towns in Mason County.
Mason
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: 2,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 76856
- Latitude: 30.6011° N
- Longitude: 99.2172° W
City Location and History
Mason, the county seat of Mason County, is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by lush landscapes and rolling hills. The town was established in 1851 and named after the Mason family, who were early settlers in the area. The town’s location along the Llano River made it a key stopping point for early settlers traveling through central Texas, and it quickly became a hub for trade and commerce. Initially, the area was settled by German and Anglo settlers, who brought their traditions, agriculture, and livestock practices to the region.
Throughout the 19th century, Mason flourished as an agricultural center, particularly known for cattle ranching and farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the local economy by providing access to wider markets. Despite the boom periods, Mason retained much of its rural charm and small-town feel. Today, Mason is a peaceful community with a strong sense of heritage, known for its well-preserved historic buildings, the beauty of the surrounding landscape, and its welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mason is served by the Mason Independent School District, which includes Mason High School, Mason Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its high academic standards and strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball and football. Mason High School is also recognized for its extracurricular activities, such as music programs and academic clubs, which foster student development outside of the classroom.
Key landmarks in Mason include the Mason County Courthouse, which is a beautiful historic building located in the center of town. The courthouse square also features several other preserved 19th-century buildings that reflect the town’s early development. Another major landmark is the Old Jail Museum, which is housed in the old Mason County Jail and offers a glimpse into the town’s law enforcement history. The Llano River, which runs through Mason, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Additionally, the nearby Fort Mason, which was established during the Indian Wars in the mid-1800s, is an important historical site in the region.
Castell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 300 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76831
- Latitude: 30.3455° N
- Longitude: 98.7730° W
City Location and History
Castell is a small unincorporated community located along the Llano River in the central part of Mason County. The town’s history dates back to the mid-1800s when it was initially settled by European immigrants, primarily Germans. It was named after a town in Spain, reflecting the influence of its early settlers. Castell’s early growth was due to its location along the river, which made it a strategic point for farming, ranching, and trade.
During the 19th century, Castell was an important site during the Indian Wars and was used as a fortification point by settlers. It also served as a hub for cattle ranching, with livestock grazing on the fertile land along the Llano River. Although Castell never grew to the size of larger towns in the region, it remained an important agricultural and commercial center for nearby ranchers. Today, Castell is a quiet, rural community that retains much of its historic charm, with many of its old buildings still standing as a testament to its heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Castell is part of the Mason Independent School District, and students typically attend schools in nearby Mason. Though the community is small, the educational opportunities for residents are tied to the larger school district, with access to various extracurricular programs.
Landmarks in Castell include the Castell General Store, which has been in operation since the late 1800s and is one of the oldest continuously running businesses in the area. The town also has a few historic buildings that reflect its agricultural past. The Llano River, which runs through Castell, is a significant natural feature that provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Additionally, Castell is close to the scenic Willow Creek Trail, which offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. The quiet, rural setting of Castell makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a retreat into the Texas Hill Country.
Loyal Valley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76856
- Latitude: 30.5891° N
- Longitude: 99.2587° W
City Location and History
Loyal Valley is a small, unincorporated community located about 10 miles southwest of Mason, Texas. It was founded in the 1850s by German immigrants who were drawn to the area for its fertile land and proximity to the Llano River. The town was originally a farming and ranching community, with its residents growing crops and raising livestock. Loyal Valley was named after the loyalty and close-knit nature of its settlers, many of whom remained in the area for generations.
Over the years, Loyal Valley remained a quiet, agricultural community, largely bypassing the larger growth seen in neighboring towns. The town was never incorporated, and today it remains one of the smallest communities in Mason County. Its history is rooted in the traditions of early German settlers, and many of the buildings and homes in the area reflect this heritage. Loyal Valley’s rural setting and scenic beauty have helped it maintain a peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle, and the town continues to be a quiet, close-knit community for those who reside there.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Loyal Valley is served by the Mason Independent School District, and students from the community typically attend schools in Mason. As with other small rural communities, the residents of Loyal Valley have access to the educational and extracurricular opportunities offered by the larger district.
Because of its small size, Loyal Valley has few landmarks, but its historical charm is reflected in the surrounding countryside, which is marked by farms, ranches, and old homes that tell the story of its early settlers. The area’s natural beauty, with its hills, streams, and proximity to the Llano River, offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding. The region’s peaceful atmosphere and the remnants of its agricultural past make Loyal Valley an idyllic part of the Hill Country.
Ferguson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 50 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 76856
- Latitude: 30.5636° N
- Longitude: 99.2631° W
City Location and History
Ferguson is an even smaller community located just outside of Mason. Originally settled by German immigrants in the 19th century, Ferguson developed around the farming and ranching industry, much like other small Hill Country communities. The town, which is unincorporated, was named after a prominent local family that settled in the area. Ferguson was established primarily as an agricultural community, and over time it became a quiet area, much less developed than surrounding towns.
Today, Ferguson is a peaceful rural area with few residents but a rich history tied to the agricultural development of Mason County. The community’s homes and buildings are spread across a landscape dotted with ranches and farmsteads. While the population has dwindled, Ferguson remains an example of the small, rural communities that have shaped the Hill Country’s history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Residents of Ferguson attend schools in the nearby town of Mason, within the Mason Independent School District. Because of its small size, Ferguson does not have its own schools, but students have access to the high-quality educational programs provided by the district.
As with Loyal Valley and Castell, Ferguson does not have notable landmarks, but its rural setting offers stunning views of the Texas Hill Country landscape. The surrounding land is marked by ranches, hiking trails, and open fields, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing and hunting. Ferguson, like many other small communities in Mason County, offers a slower pace of life and remains a quintessential example of Texas’ rural heritage.