1886 Stafford Opera House

Built in 1886 by cattleman R. E. Stafford, this historic building originally served as a bank and dry goods store on the first floor, with a live theater venue on the second. Its cornerstone, marked with a steer head and lariat, reflects Mr. Stafford’s ranching roots and the spirit of the era. While it carries the name opera house, no records show that opera was ever performed there, as the term was commonly used at the time for live performance theaters, making it a fascinating snapshot of local history and community life.