Military Career
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.
Read more about this topic: Richard Barnes Mason
Famous quotes related to military career:
“The domestic career is no more natural to all women than the military career is natural to all men.”
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)