Stafford Bank and Opera House
a.k.a. R. E. Stafford's Building
Milan and Spring Sts., Columbus, TXThe Stafford Opera House and Bank Building were completed in 1886 by R. E. (Bob) Stafford (1834-1890). Stafford was a millionaire cattleman, banker, and industrialist. He erected the Stafford Building at a cost of $50,000 plus an additional $10,000 for the curtain, wings, and stage equipment.
The first floor housed the Stafford bank and the second floor was intended as an opulent theater. The marble cornerstone set the style and tone for this remarkable Nicholas J. Clayton composition. The upper left corner contains a steer's head chiseled in relief with a lasso looped over its horns. Beneath this, some crisscrossed lines resemble grass or hay; and in the upper right corner, a hand holds a short piece of rope. In the lower-left corner, N. J. Clayton, architect, has been etched, while in the lower right the name of J. F. Tamon, Superintendent, appears. Diagonally across the center, "R. E. Stafford's Building" is written and under it, the date 1886. 1 The Stafford Opera was the cultural center of the region surrounding Columbus. The opera house held 1,000 seats with 600 on the floor and 100 on the balcony. Its opening production featured the famous Miss Lillian Russell in a play called "As In a Looking Glass." Special trains brought people from surrounding towns for the three-night run of Miss Russell's play.
The opera house continued in use from 1886 to 1916. The Opera House was in a circuit with Houston, Galveston, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Dallas, and El Paso, consequently, a large variety of the best plays and other forms of entertainment that came to Texas were viewed in Columbus. Among the nationally famous entertainers who appeared there were Al Jolson, Houdini, and Creston Clarke in Hamlet.
Between theatrical performances, the Opera House was used by local citizens for school events, amateur plays, and dances. The Opera House was closed in 1916 and the building was reopened in 1918 as the first Ford agency in Columbus. The lower floor has continued in use as the Ford automobile agency. The upper floor was used in the 1940s for a roller skating business, and later, the stage area was converted into six apartments.
In 1969, under the auspices of the John Everett chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, the State Historical Survey Committee placed an official Historical Medallion on the "R. E. Stafford's Building," for the purpose of commemorating it as a fine example of Victorian architecture.
At the present time, the structure has been purchased by Magnolia Homes Tours, Incorporated, of Columbus, and a historic preservation grant from the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation is being requested to help with the restoration of the structure.
Once restored, the Opera House will once again play a prominent role in the cultural life of the community.
The first floor housed the Stafford bank and the second floor was intended as an opulent theater. The marble cornerstone set the style and tone for this remarkable Nicholas J. Clayton composition. The upper left corner contains a steer's head chiseled in relief with a lasso looped over its horns. Beneath this, some crisscrossed lines resemble grass or hay; and in the upper right corner, a hand holds a short piece of rope. In the lower-left corner, N. J. Clayton, architect, has been etched, while in the lower right the name of J. F. Tamon, Superintendent, appears. Diagonally across the center, "R. E. Stafford's Building" is written and under it, the date 1886. 1 The Stafford Opera was the cultural center of the region surrounding Columbus. The opera house held 1,000 seats with 600 on the floor and 100 on the balcony. Its opening production featured the famous Miss Lillian Russell in a play called "As In a Looking Glass." Special trains brought people from surrounding towns for the three-night run of Miss Russell's play.
The opera house continued in use from 1886 to 1916. The Opera House was in a circuit with Houston, Galveston, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Dallas, and El Paso, consequently, a large variety of the best plays and other forms of entertainment that came to Texas were viewed in Columbus. Among the nationally famous entertainers who appeared there were Al Jolson, Houdini, and Creston Clarke in Hamlet.
Between theatrical performances, the Opera House was used by local citizens for school events, amateur plays, and dances. The Opera House was closed in 1916 and the building was reopened in 1918 as the first Ford agency in Columbus. The lower floor has continued in use as the Ford automobile agency. The upper floor was used in the 1940s for a roller skating business, and later, the stage area was converted into six apartments.
In 1969, under the auspices of the John Everett chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, the State Historical Survey Committee placed an official Historical Medallion on the "R. E. Stafford's Building," for the purpose of commemorating it as a fine example of Victorian architecture.
At the present time, the structure has been purchased by Magnolia Homes Tours, Incorporated, of Columbus, and a historic preservation grant from the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation is being requested to help with the restoration of the structure.
Once restored, the Opera House will once again play a prominent role in the cultural life of the community.
Bibliography
Zumwalt, 0. A., Columbus, Texas. Compiled and published by The Colorado County Citizen, 1935.
Official Texas Historical Marker file, Texas State Historical Survey Committee.
Official Texas Historical Marker file, Texas State Historical Survey Committee.
Architecture; Performing Arts
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
About Colorado County
Colorado County Timeline
Colorado County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and varied history that stretches back to its establishment in 1836 as part of the Republic of Texas. The county was named after the Colorado River, which flows through it. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Karankawa and the Coahuiltecan tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1820s, and by the 1830s, the region had become a hub for Anglo-American colonization.
During the Republic of Texas era, Colorado County saw rapid growth and development. The county seat, Columbus, was established in 1839 and quickly became a major commercial center. The town served as an important stop on the Old San Felipe Road, a major transportation route connecting East and Central Texas. The discovery of oil and gas in the region in the early 20th century further fueled the county's growth and economic prosperity.
Colorado County played an important role during the Civil War. Many residents of German descent who settled in the county were Union sympathizers, while others supported the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Columbus in 1862, when Confederate forces repelled a Union raid. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy and infrastructure.
In the 20th century, Colorado County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The discovery of oil and gas led to the development of a thriving energy industry, and manufacturing and services sectors also grew. Today, Colorado County is a mix of suburban and rural areas, with agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism forming the pillars of its economy. The county continues to preserve its historical sites and celebrate its diverse heritage, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.
During the Republic of Texas era, Colorado County saw rapid growth and development. The county seat, Columbus, was established in 1839 and quickly became a major commercial center. The town served as an important stop on the Old San Felipe Road, a major transportation route connecting East and Central Texas. The discovery of oil and gas in the region in the early 20th century further fueled the county's growth and economic prosperity.
Colorado County played an important role during the Civil War. Many residents of German descent who settled in the county were Union sympathizers, while others supported the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Columbus in 1862, when Confederate forces repelled a Union raid. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy and infrastructure.
In the 20th century, Colorado County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The discovery of oil and gas led to the development of a thriving energy industry, and manufacturing and services sectors also grew. Today, Colorado County is a mix of suburban and rural areas, with agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism forming the pillars of its economy. The county continues to preserve its historical sites and celebrate its diverse heritage, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.
Colorado County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Colorado County, Texas.
- 1821: The area that would become Colorado County, TX is included in Austin's Colony, established by the Mexican government.
- 1835: The area plays a role in the Texas Revolution as volunteers from Colorado County participate in the Battle of Gonzales.
- 1837: Colorado County is officially established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: Columbus is selected as the county seat.
- 1846: Colorado County is incorporated into the state of Texas as it becomes part of the United States.
- 1850s: The county experiences rapid growth as more settlers move into the area, establishing farms and ranches.
- 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many residents of Colorado County actively support the Confederacy.
- 1870s: The county's economy starts to diversify with the discovery of oil, leading to the establishment of oil wells and refineries.
- 1935: The Lower Colorado River Authority is established, and dams are constructed in the area for flood control and water supply.
- 1970s: Colorado County experiences an agricultural decline as farming becomes less profitable.
- 1997: The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts is opened in Austin, providing a cultural center for the region.