Richard Barnes Mason

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richard Barnes Mason (January 16, 1797 – July 25, 1850) was a career officer in the United States Army and the military governor of California before it became a U.S. state.

Born in Lexington, Virginia, he was the grandson of George Mason. Mason was commissioned into the Army in 1817 and served in the 1st U.S. Infantry during the Black Hawk War. In 1833, he transferred to the United States Dragoons as its first major. During the Mexican-American War, he served in New Mexico Territory and California, eventually rising to the rank of colonel.

Following the war, he was appointed military governor of California, serving from May 31, 1847, until April 13, 1849. When gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill, Mason made a report of the finding to President James K. Polk.

Mason died at Jefferson Barracks, St Louis, Missouri, in 1850.

In 1882, the Post at Point San Jose in San Francisco, California was renamed Fort Mason after Richard Barnes Mason. Fort Mason served as an Army base for more than 100 years.

Preceded by Stephen W. Kearny

Military Governor of California 1847-1849

Succeeded by Persifor Frazer Smith