National Register Listing

Millett Opera House

110 E. 9th St., Austin, TX
During the last two decades of the 19th century, the Millett Opera House at 110 East 9th street was Austin's center for social gatherings. Serving not only as a theater, the Millett also temporarily housed the state legislature, served as a dancing and convention hall and even a roller rink.

With Austin's tremendous growth of the 1870's the need for an opera house became more apparent. In 1878 Charles Millett announced that he would construct an opera house at the site of his lumber yard. The young, booming city anxiously awaited the completion of the theater as frequent newspaper accounts reported almost every phase of construction. When completed in 1878, the Millett Opera House was not only Austin's largest auditorium, but-had the largest span of any building in the state.

The Millett Opera House was designed by F.E. Ruffini, a prominent Austin architect of the late 1800's. Born in Cleveland Ohio, Ruffini moved to Austin to establish a practice and later was joined by his brother, Oscar. Though he died in 1885, F. E.'s works included several county courthouses, jails and the Main Building at The University of Texas, razed in 1934.

With its 800 seat capacity, the Millett was able to accommodate 7% of Austin's entire population.

Without an adequate heating and cooling system, the active theater season was restricted to the fall and spring. During this period the Millett was in constant use and was, un-questionably, the center of Austin entertainment.

Other activities in the structure included political conventions, U.T. commencement exercises, dancing and even boxing.

The phenomenon of roller skating hit Austin in 1884 when Millett announced that the opera house would also be opened for skating.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Performing Arts

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

architecture performing arts houses residential buildings
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.