Old Stafford Opera House
Columbus, Colorado County, Texas
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.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Millionaire cattleman R. E. Stafford built this grand opera house in 1886, hiring famed Texas architect Nicholas Clayton to design an interior that seated a thousand beneath gas chandeliers and an elaborate hand-painted curtain. Its opening performance starred the celebrated Lillian Russell, and magician Harry Houdini later played its stage — audiences arriving on special trains from distant towns.
Why it matters
The opera house shows how Gilded Age cattle wealth brought big-city culture to small Texas towns, making Columbus a stop on the era's traveling entertainment circuit.
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Related people
- · R. E. Stafford
- · Nicholas J. Clayton
- · Lillian Russell
- · Harry Houdini
Themes & tags
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