Pontotoc Texas 01/22/04

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TEXAS- PONTOTOC, TX- 1/22/04

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PONTOTOC, TEXAS

PONTOTOC AND SAN FERNANDO ACADEMY
Pontotoc, settled about 1859, was named by first merchant, M R Kidd, for his former home town in Mississippi. Post office was opened 1878 in the B J Willis home, with Mrs. Willis postmaster. Founded by interested citizens, San Fernando Academy (probably named for nearby creek), opened 1883. Pupils (200 during academy's career) took regular subjects or courses leading toward teacher certificates. Principals were K T Hamilton and W C Roaten. After academy failed, site was sold by W J and V J Willis and used by the public school until 1927.

OLD FORT MASON
Situated near a spring long used by Indians built of stone quarried from Post Hill. Fort helped protect Texas frontier from Indians. Colonel Robert E Lee stationed in Texas 2 years, commanded Fort Mason from February 1860 to February 1861. Here he made his decision as to his part in the Civil War, saying "If the Union is dissolved... I shall return to my native state and ... save in defense... draw my sword on none". He left Fort Mason February 13, 1861. In wartime he remembered "The enemy never sees the backs of Texans".

DOWNTOWN PONTOTOC