Masontown

In 1867, Sam Mason Jr. and his brother, Raiford Mason bought land in the area that would become Masontown—located east of Waller Creek and within the bounds of East 3rd Street, East 6th Street, and Chicon Street. However, four years later the Houston and Texas Central Railroad would split the freedom community in two making Masontown a hub for the railroad industry. Both Black and white stone masons, millers, and lumbermen would work at the rail yards and freight depot. This high level of economic and industrial activity would bring in freedmen from as far away as Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia. Other jobs of those in the community were gardeners, carpenters, and bricklayers. Two major Baptist churches operated within the community. The first, Mount Olive Baptist Church which was established in 1889 on East 4th Street—it still has an active congregation to this day but is now situated at 1800 E. 11th Street. The second, Little Bethel Baptist, relocated to Masontown in the early 20th century and a community school was established in 1879. Masontown had as many as 200 residents at its peak but by the 1980s it was no longer identifiable as a distinct neighborhood.

Information provided by the African-American Settlement Survey Travis County, Texas prepared by prepared by Hicks & Company Elizabeth Porterfield, MSHP for Travis County Historical Commission.

This information was supplemented by archivist at the University of North Texas, Michelle Mears, from her book And Grace Will Lead Me Home African American Freedmen Communities of Austin, Texas, 1865-1928.

We recognize that this research is ongoing, drawing extensively from historical documents, archives, and oral histories passed down through generations. 

Given the evolving nature of information, it is important to note that details may change. And while inaccuracies may arise, we actively strive to update our records as we acquire new knowledge.