Golden in Jefferson County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

1212-1220 Washington Avenue

— Downtown Landmark —

Photographed by Leslie Eudy

1. 1212-1220 Washington Avenue Marker

Inscription.
1212-20 Washington Avenue
The Golden Opera Company dedicated this building on October 25, 1879. The second floor Opera House for years was the focal point of Golden’s social and cultural activities: concerts, theater, school plays, traveling lectures, political rallies, burlesque, Grand Army of the Republic meetings and early School of Mines graduations. Adolph Coors was the “floor manager” for many of the formal balls. The first floor of the building was occupied by grocers, restaurants, and hardware stores. Historic photos show an ornate metal cornice with tall, arched double hung windows above storefront entrances.

Erected by City of Golden Historic Preservation Board.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment.

Location. 39° 45.297′ N, 105° 13.269′ W. Marker is in Golden, Colorado, in Jefferson County. It is on Washington Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1216 Washington Avenue, Golden CO 80401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this

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marker is in Colorado’s Front Range.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1211 Washington Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 1200 Washington Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Territorial Capital of Colorado (within shouting distance of this marker); Iller Block (within shouting distance of this marker); 1120 Washington Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Eakers Department Store 1953-1985 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Golden Plunge 1928-1941 (about 300 feet away); The Astor House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Golden.

1212-1220 Washington Avenue Marker Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Leslie Eudy, November 4, 2025

2. 1212-1220 Washington Avenue Marker Wide View

Marker is to the right of the outdoor seating area at the Ace High Tavern image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Leslie Eudy, November 4, 2025

3. Marker is to the right of the outdoor seating area at the Ace High Tavern

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2025, by Leslie Eudy of Golden, Colorado. This page has been viewed 43 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 17, 2025, by Leslie Eudy of Golden, Colorado. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.