Charles Mason graduated first in the class of 1829 at the United States Military Academy at West Point, ahead of notable figures such as Robert E. Lee. After resigning his commission, he held judicial positions, including chief justice of the Iowa Territorial Supreme Court and the first chief justice of the Iowa Supreme Court. Mason also served as President of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad and United States Commissioner of Patents, where he notably promoted workplace diversity.

Charles Mason's career juxtaposes traditional roles with progressive actions, particularly in his advocacy for workplace diversity. His tenure as United States Commissioner of Patents saw him hiring several women, including Clara Barton, which was ahead of his time. Despite his judicial leadership in Iowa, Mason's strategic support for unconventional economic policies hints at a nuanced approach to governance.