Columbus in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Stafford-Miller House
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, June 1, 2025
1. Stafford-Miller House Marker
Ornate Victorian house built for millionaire cattleman - banker Robert E. Stafford (1834-1890), one of organizers of Columbus Meat & Ice Co. Stafford built home and Opera House in same year, 1886. By design, he could sit in his bedroom and see Opera House stage performances, next door.
Home lost a cupola in 1909 hurricane. It was owned by the Staffords until 1915, then sold to Mrs. Helena Miller, whose descendants still preserve it.
After death of Mrs. Helena Miller on April 14, 1936, house was inherited by E.G. Mill, who is the present owner. (1973)
Erected 1974 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5088.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1864.
Location. 29° 42.32′ N, 96° 32.399′ 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. 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: The Rangers of Austin's Colony (a few steps from this marker); Tumlinson Family (a few steps from this marker); Colorado County, 1837, and Robert "Three-Legged Willie" Williamson (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Stafford Opera House
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Confederate Memorial Museum (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Jim Evans, September 1, 2014
2. Stafford-Miller House Marker
Photographed by Jim Evans, September 1, 2014
3. Stafford-Miller House with His Opera House Next Door
Photographed by Jim Evans, September 1, 2014
4. Stafford-Miller House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,409 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 5, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 3, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
