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
Open House & Reception
We’re excited to announce the addition of two new collections to the Santa Claus Museum in Columbus - the only Santa Museum in the South! The new collections include 33 hand-carved, hand-painted Russian Santas, donated by Judy Hawthorne, and 17 Cowboy Santas, donated by Donna Thames. Each is sure to bring a little “holly jolly”...
Columbus, TX 78934 United States
Santa’s Summer Vacation
Get a jump start on the holiday season at Santa’s Summer Vacation! Enter the Hawaiian shirt contest for a chance to win! The Kids winner will receive a $25 gift card to OST Creamery and the Adults winner will receive a $50 gift card to Hound Song Brewing Co. Purchase tickets to cast your vote...
Columbus, TX 78934 United States
“Ann” presented by The Garden Theatre
Tough as Nails. Funny as Hell. Ann is a no-holds-barred portrait of Ann Richards, the legendary governor of Texas. This inspiring and hilarious play brings us face to face with a complex, colorful and captivating character bigger than the state from which she hailed. Written by Emmy Award winner Holland Taylor, Ann takes a revealing look at...
Columbus, TX 78934 United States
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.
STAY CONNECTED
Subscribe
Receive updates on membership, events, and CHPT news…