Columbus in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Old Stafford Opera House

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, June 1, 2025

1. Old Stafford Opera House Marker

Inscription.

Built 1886 by R.E. Stafford, 1834-1890, millionaire cattleman. Stately interior (which seated 1,000) had gas-burning chandeliers and an elaborate hand-painted curtain. Architect was N.J. Clayton, who designed many opulent Texas buildings. Opening performance, "As in a Looking Glass," starred famous Lillian Russell. Magician Houdini also played here, as did other prominent entertainers. On performance days, special trains ran from distant towns.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1969

Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5087.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 29° 42.318′ N, 96° 32.427′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Texas, in Colorado County. It is at the intersection of Spring Street and Milam Street (Texas Highway 52), on the right when traveling east on Spring Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus TX 78934, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Colorado County, 1837, and Robert "Three-Legged Willie" Williamson (within shouting distance of this marker); Stafford-Miller House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rangers of Austin's Colony (within shouting distance of this marker); Tumlinson Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Caledonia Lodge No. 68. A.F. & A.M. (within shouting distance of this marker); Ehrenwerth-Ramsey-Untermeyer Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Colorado County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Colorado County War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Confederate Memorial Museum (was within shouting distance of this

Photographed by Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

2. Old Stafford Opera House Marker

marker but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Old Stafford Opera House. The building is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Old Stafford Opera House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

3. Old Stafford Opera House

In the National Register of Historic Places image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jim Evans

4. In the National Register of Historic Places

Colorado County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

5. Colorado County Courthouse

The Colorado County Courthouse is across the street from the Opera House

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,040 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on August 4, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 3, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 5. submitted on September 4, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.