The Columbus Historical Preservation Trust is dedicated to the preservation of the history and culture of Columbus, TX. It is our unique heritage that makes Columbus a special place to live. CHPT strives to keep that history alive.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Save Our Opera House
Located in the heart of Columbus, Texas, the R.E. Stafford Opera House is considered by many to be the crown jewel of Colorado County. For many Columbus residents, past and present, the Opera House holds very special memories. Memories of weddings, proms, reunions, Magnolia Belle presentations, and other significant events that brought friends, family, and community members together. The Opera House is an important part of not only Columbus’ history but the history of its residents.
Over the past 30 years, several repairs to the building have been made. However, significant repairs and improvements to the aging building must now be made for guests to continue to fully utilize the space. Without these repairs, CHPT will not be able to rent the venue and will lose crucial revenue to continue the upkeep of the Opera House. Community members and businesses are invited to save the Opera House by joining the Stafford Opera House Legacy Giving Society.
PRESERVING HISTORY
Historic Properties
Stafford Opera House
1886 Stafford Opera House
The 1886 Stafford Opera House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. When it was originally built in 1886 by cattleman R. E. Stafford, the R. E. Stafford Bank and Opera House housed a bank and dry goods store on the first floor and theater venue on the second floor. The Stafford Opera House is the largest flat-floored opera house in Texas and is the only flat-floored opera house still in existence in the state.
Alley Log Cabin
Alley Log Cabin and Antique Tool Museum
The Alley Log Cabin is a two-room oak log cabin and was built in 1836 by Abraham “Abram” and Nancy Alley. According to family history, the cabin was sided with pine lumber
floated by raft from a large sawmill in Bastrop in the early 1850s. The cabin stood on its original site from 1836 until 1976 when it was moved to Columbus and restored. The Antique Tool Museum opened in 1996. The small framed building that sits behind the log cabin was originally a store that sold school supplies and snacks to school children.
Santa Claus Museum
Santa Claus Museum
The Santa Claus Museum was created in memory of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Hopkins, an avid collector of Santas of every shape and size. The museum opened in 1990 and is a one-of-a-kind destination. It houses three major collections featuring almost 3,000 Santas including figurines, music boxes, dolls, dishes, ornaments, artwork, needlework, and photos from all over the world. The Santa Claus Museum brings joy to all who seek the Christmas Spirit.
Dilue Rose Harris House Museum
Dilue Rose Harris House Museum
Dilue Rose is best known for her book Reminiscences, in which she tells of her family’s close acquaintance with the several leaders of the Texas Revolution and recounts her journey during the Runaway Scrape. Dilue married Ira Harris in 1839 and they moved to Columbus in 1845. They built their modest “tabby” home in 1858 and lived in it with their nine children. In 1988-1989 the Dilue Rose Harris House was converted into a museum. It is furnished with early Victorian walnut and Texas pine pieces, many belonging to families from the Columbus area.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Upcoming Events
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PERFECT SPACES
Rent the Stafford Opera House
Host your event at the beautiful 1886 Stafford Opera House. With two spaces available, we can accommodate events large or small.
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Historical Properties
OUR HISTORY
Honoring the Past
The Columbus Historical Preservation Trust is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to promoting Columbus’ rich and colorful history through the preservation of four historic properties. These properties serve as an opportunity to preserve Columbus’ unique heritage, educate the public, and inspire the community. In addition to property tours, we proudly offer field trips for local school groups as well as hold special events, fundraisers, and educational programs throughout the year. Our events are open to the public.
UNIQUELY TEXAS
History of Columbus
Columbus is the oldest surveyed and platted Anglo-American town in Texas. It is on the site of the legendary Indian village of Montezuma. Members of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” began arriving in the area in 1821. By 1823 a small community had developed and became known as Beason’s Ferry, named for Benjamin Beason, one of the original settlers who operated a ferry across the Colorado River. In 1835 it was renamed Columbus.
By the time of the Texas Revolution, Columbus was home to more than twenty-five families, including William D. Lacey, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
After the fall of the Alamo, General Sam Houston camped on the east bank of the Colorado River at Columbus from March 19-26, 1836. When he and his troops left for San Jacinto, General Houston ordered Columbus burned so the Mexican Army would not be able to use any of the town’s buildings or resources. Columbus’ townspeople fled as well during this time period, known as the Runaway Scrape.
Columbus was designated the county seat of Colorado County when the county was established in 1836. The following April, Judge Robert McAlpin (Three-Legged Willie) Williamson reportedly convened the first district court in Colorado County in the shade of a large oak tree near the site of the present-day courthouse.
Preservation of our local history is very important to us. There are a number of historical homes, buildings, and markers located around town. Columbus has a lot to offer visitors, including great food, lodging, attractions, outdoor activities, and so much more!
Discover Columbus
MORE ABOUT COLUMBUS
Historical Properties
OUR HISTORY
Honoring the Past
The Columbus Historical Preservation Trust is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to promoting Columbus’ rich and colorful history through the preservation of four historic properties. These properties serve as an opportunity to preserve Columbus’ unique heritage, educate the public, and inspire the community. In addition to property tours, we proudly offer field trips for local school groups as well as hold special events, fundraisers, and educational programs throughout the year. Our events are open to the public.
UNIQUELY TEXAS
History of Columbus
Columbus is the oldest surveyed and platted Anglo-American town in Texas. It is on the site of the legendary Indian village of Montezuma. Members of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” began arriving in the area in 1821. By 1823 a small community had developed and became known as Beason’s Ferry, named for Benjamin Beason, one of the original settlers who operated a ferry across the Colorado River. In 1835 it was renamed Columbus.
By the time of the Texas Revolution, Columbus was home to more than twenty-five families, including William D. Lacey, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
After the fall of the Alamo, General Sam Houston camped on the east bank of the Colorado River at Columbus from March 19-26, 1836. When he and his troops left for San Jacinto, General Houston ordered Columbus burned so the Mexican Army would not be able to use any of the town’s buildings or resources. Columbus’ townspeople fled as well during this time period, known as the Runaway Scrape.
Columbus was designated the county seat of Colorado County when the county was established in 1836. The following April, Judge Robert McAlpin (Three-Legged Willie) Williamson reportedly convened the first district court in Colorado County in the shade of a large oak tree near the site of the present-day courthouse.
Preservation of our local history is very important to us. There are a number of historical homes, buildings, and markers located around town. Columbus has a lot to offer visitors, including great food, lodging, attractions, outdoor activities, and so much more!
Discover Columbus
MORE ABOUT COLUMBUS
Historical Properties
OUR HISTORY
Honoring the Past
The Columbus Historical Preservation Trust is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to promoting Columbus’ rich and colorful history through the preservation of four historic properties. These properties serve as an opportunity to preserve Columbus’ unique heritage, educate the public, and inspire the community. In addition to property tours, we proudly offer field trips for local school groups as well as hold special events, fundraisers, and educational programs throughout the year. Our events are open to the public.
UNIQUELY TEXAS
History of Columbus
Columbus is the oldest surveyed and platted Anglo-American town in Texas. It is on the site of the legendary Indian village of Montezuma. Members of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” began arriving in the area in 1821. By 1823 a small community had developed and became known as Beason’s Ferry, named for Benjamin Beason, one of the original settlers who operated a ferry across the Colorado River. In 1835 it was renamed Columbus.
By the time of the Texas Revolution, Columbus was home to more than twenty-five families, including William D. Lacey, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
After the fall of the Alamo, General Sam Houston camped on the east bank of the Colorado River at Columbus from March 19-26, 1836. When he and his troops left for San Jacinto, General Houston ordered Columbus burned so the Mexican Army would not be able to use any of the town’s buildings or resources. Columbus’ townspeople fled as well during this time period, known as the Runaway Scrape.
Columbus was designated the county seat of Colorado County when the county was established in 1836. The following April, Judge Robert McAlpin (Three-Legged Willie) Williamson reportedly convened the first district court in Colorado County in the shade of a large oak tree near the site of the present-day courthouse.
Preservation of our local history is very important to us. There are a number of historical homes, buildings, and markers located around town. Columbus has a lot to offer visitors, including great food, lodging, attractions, outdoor activities, and so much more!
Discover Columbus
MORE ABOUT COLUMBUS
Historical Properties
OUR HISTORY
Honoring the Past
The Columbus Historical Preservation Trust is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to promoting Columbus’ rich and colorful history through the preservation of four historic properties. These properties serve as an opportunity to preserve Columbus’ unique heritage, educate the public, and inspire the community. In addition to property tours, we proudly offer field trips for local school groups as well as hold special events, fundraisers, and educational programs throughout the year. Our events are open to the public.
UNIQUELY TEXAS
History of Columbus
Columbus is the oldest surveyed and platted Anglo-American town in Texas. It is on the site of the legendary Indian village of Montezuma. Members of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” began arriving in the area in 1821. By 1823 a small community had developed and became known as Beason’s Ferry, named for Benjamin Beason, one of the original settlers who operated a ferry across the Colorado River. In 1835 it was renamed Columbus.
By the time of the Texas Revolution, Columbus was home to more than twenty-five families, including William D. Lacey, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
After the fall of the Alamo, General Sam Houston camped on the east bank of the Colorado River at Columbus from March 19-26, 1836. When he and his troops left for San Jacinto, General Houston ordered Columbus burned so the Mexican Army would not be able to use any of the town’s buildings or resources. Columbus’ townspeople fled as well during this time period, known as the Runaway Scrape.
Columbus was designated the county seat of Colorado County when the county was established in 1836. The following April, Judge Robert McAlpin (Three-Legged Willie) Williamson reportedly convened the first district court in Colorado County in the shade of a large oak tree near the site of the present-day courthouse.
Preservation of our local history is very important to us. There are a number of historical homes, buildings, and markers located around town. Columbus has a lot to offer visitors, including great food, lodging, attractions, outdoor activities, and so much more!
Discover Columbus
MORE ABOUT COLUMBUS
Historical Properties
OUR HISTORY
Honoring the Past
The Columbus Historical Preservation Trust is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to promoting Columbus’ rich and colorful history through the preservation of four historic properties. These properties serve as an opportunity to preserve Columbus’ unique heritage, educate the public, and inspire the community. In addition to property tours, we proudly offer field trips for local school groups as well as hold special events, fundraisers, and educational programs throughout the year. Our events are open to the public.
UNIQUELY TEXAS
History of Columbus
Columbus is the oldest surveyed and platted Anglo-American town in Texas. It is on the site of the legendary Indian village of Montezuma. Members of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” began arriving in the area in 1821. By 1823 a small community had developed and became known as Beason’s Ferry, named for Benjamin Beason, one of the original settlers who operated a ferry across the Colorado River. In 1835 it was renamed Columbus.
By the time of the Texas Revolution, Columbus was home to more than twenty-five families, including William D. Lacey, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
After the fall of the Alamo, General Sam Houston camped on the east bank of the Colorado River at Columbus from March 19-26, 1836. When he and his troops left for San Jacinto, General Houston ordered Columbus burned so the Mexican Army would not be able to use any of the town’s buildings or resources. Columbus’ townspeople fled as well during this time period, known as the Runaway Scrape.
Columbus was designated the county seat of Colorado County when the county was established in 1836. The following April, Judge Robert McAlpin (Three-Legged Willie) Williamson reportedly convened the first district court in Colorado County in the shade of a large oak tree near the site of the present-day courthouse.
Preservation of our local history is very important to us. There are a number of historical homes, buildings, and markers located around town. Columbus has a lot to offer visitors, including great food, lodging, attractions, outdoor activities, and so much more!
Discover Columbus
MORE ABOUT COLUMBUS
When it was originally built in 1886 by cattleman R. E. Stafford, the R. E. Stafford Bank and Opera House housed a bank and dry goods store on the first floor and theater venue on the second floor. The cornerstone displays a steer head and lariat, as ranching was Mr. Stafford’s main source of income. Although called an opera house, no evidence of an opera ever being performed on stage has been uncovered. The “opera house” designation was common for live theaters during this time period.
The Stafford Opera House’s Second Empire-style design is attributed to architect Nicholas Joseph Clayton, an advocate of the High Victorian movement. Mr. Clayton drew inspiration from the classic architectural styles of the era to create elaborate ornamentation. The building is constructed of brick with iron in the foundation. The bricks were handmade on the Quinn Walker Place at Skull Creek, near Columbus. All of the metal work for the interior columns, thresholds, and lintels were cast at the Galveston Foundry in Galveston. The Opera House’s unique architectural details include horizontal brick banding, two-colored brickwork, inset brick panels, and three-part window compositions. The second floor theater is spanned with heavy timber trusses. Gracefully curved metal canopies at the second floor level were an original part of the building.
The Grand Hall main floor originally sat 600 people with another 400 fitting in the balcony. The 1886 Stafford Opera House is the largest flat-floored opera house in Texas and is the only flat-floored opera house still in existence in the state. The original cost of the building was $50,000. The curtain, wings, and stage equipment cost an additional $10,000. The Stafford family home sat directly next door to the Opera House. It was said that Mr. Stafford could watch performances on stage from his bedroom window.
On July 7, 1890 Mr. Stafford and his younger brother John attended a ceremony to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone for the new county courthouse. After the ceremony, Mr. Stafford got into an argument with city marshal Larkin Hope. The argument ended when Mr. Hope and his brother Marion shot and killed both Stafford brothers. The Stafford murders only worsened the ongoing Townsend-Stafford Feud in Columbus as the Hope brothers were members of the Townsend family. The Stafford-Townsend Feud is Texas’ longest running feud, lasting from 1871 to 1911.
The last performance at the Stafford Opera House during that era was in 1916. Mrs. Stafford sold the building to Mr. Guilmartin, the owner of the local Ford Motor Company dealership. Mr. Guilmartin moved his dealership to the first floor of the building. It was rumored that someone killed his prized bird dog but no one would admit to the crime. To punish the town, he tore down the Opera House stage curtain and put it over his hog pen.
In addition to the Ford dealership, the building has served as an arena for basketball games and boxing matches as well as a roller skating rink. During the latter part of World War II, private apartments were built in the stage area of the second floor.
In 1972, the Magnolia Homes Tour, Inc. (now the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, Inc.) bought the property for $30,000 and began restoration efforts. Eighteen years and $1.3 million later, the Stafford Opera House was lovingly restored to its former glory and rededicated in 1990.
About
OUR LEGACY
History & Mission
Ten visionary individuals met in 1961 with the idea of preserving the unique culture, tradition, and heritage of Columbus. Out of this small beginning grew the Magnolia Homes Tour, Inc., a nonprofit organization supported by donations from the citizens of Columbus as well as individuals who had an interest in preserving Texas history and historical landmarks.
The Magnolia Homes Tour’s primary fundraising event was a spring festival held on the third weekend in May, when the magnolia trees around the Courthouse Square were in full bloom. The event grew and attracted thousands of visitors from across the state. The Homes Tour worked hand in hand with the Live Oak Art Center to showcase local artists’ works on the Square for guests to view and purchase. Guests could also enjoy food, live entertainment, an antiques show, and of course, visiting the historic homes and properties around Columbus.
In 1970 Magnolia Homes Tour, Inc. purchased the Stafford Opera House, which at the time was the local Ford dealership. The group felt it was important to renovate the Opera House to bring it back to its original purpose of being a usable space for community events and celebrations. It was a lengthy and very costly undertaking. The organization received grants and funding from many community supporters over the renovation period but due to the overall cost of the project, the upstairs portion of the Opera House was not reopened to the public until 1990.
In August of 1999, the Magnolia Homes Tour, Inc. became the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, Inc. CHPT handed responsibility of the spring festival over to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce so it could concentrate its focus on the renovations and upkeep of the historical properties it owned. CHPT also spends a great deal of time sharing the history of Columbus with guests when they visit town.
Aside from preserving the town’s history and historical importance in the state of Texas, CHPT is dedicated to building a stronger community by hosting fun events and unique learning opportunities. We hope to build a stronger tomorrow by remembering the significance of our past.
The mission of CHPT is to maintain, preserve, and present historic sites in Columbus for the appreciation and education of the public; stimulate interest and enhance understanding for the heritage of Columbus; present cultural events that further the purpose of the organization; encourage tourism in Columbus; and promote volunteerism that furthers the purpose of the organization.
DEDICATED LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
ESTER CHANDLER
President
SHANE THERIOT
Vice President
DORIS KLAUS
Secretary
CHARLOTTE TILOTTA
Treasurer
ROBYN ADAMS
JULIE PRAUSE
AMY HARTIGAN
JOHN STORY
CAROLINE JOHANNES
DOREEN VAIL
SUSIE MEISCHEN
KIM VINCENT