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

Grand Opera House

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, March 2, 2025

1. Grand Opera House Marker

Inscription. Staged outstanding musicals, dramas. Built 1891 by local men for professional troupes. Also scene of home talent plays, some directed by Ben K. Franklin, a former actor who settled here. Programs created social stir, with lavish dress and parties.

Building has copper roof and corbeled bay window tower; had ornate stage and auditorium.

Now owned by former U.S. Vice President John Nance Garner and his son, Tully Garner.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967

Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2249.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the San Antonio-El Paso Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 29° 12.623′ N, 99° 47.202′ W. Marker is in Uvalde, Texas, in Uvalde County. It is at the intersection of North Getty Street (U.S. 83) and West North Street, on the right when traveling south on North Getty Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 W North St, Uvalde TX 78801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country.

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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kincaid Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Uvalde County

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(within shouting distance of this marker); L. Schwartz Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Uvalde County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Texas Wagon Yards (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Inge, Camp Dix, C.S.A. (about 300 feet away); Rice Hotel and Saddlery (about 400 feet away); The Uvalde "Leader-News" (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Uvalde.

Photographed by William F Haenn, April 15, 2013

2. Grand Opera House Marker

Grand Opera House image. Click for full size.

September 19, 2010

3. Grand Opera House

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2013, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 833 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 24, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2013, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.