Description

When it was established in 1851, Fort Mason served as protection for settlers and westward-heading pioneers from outlaw and Native American raids. It’s also renowned for being the final command post for Robert E. Lee as an officer of the US Army. Although President Lincoln offered him command of the Federal forces, Lee politely declined and joined the Confederacy when his home state, Virginia, did in 1861. Precious little is left of the original fort, but you can take a self-guided tour through a refurbished officers’ quarters filled with artifacts; the museum is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 10 PM.