Built in 1907 by A.W. Johnson and Dr. D. Williams, with contractor Thomas Vetch, the Anson Opera House stands as a Texas Historic Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The opera house with its more than 100 years of history has seen its share of entertainers both live and on film, and it has gracefully served as a community gathering place for everything from state championship wrestling matches to high school graduations, including Anson High School’s first graduation in 1909.
A small town with a population that has never topped 3,000 may seem an odd place for an opera house, but in the 1880’s there was great anticipation of the Texas and Pacific Railroad pulling through. The railroad ended up being a bit further south than Anson but investments had already been made in stores, hotels, and event sites.
The Anson Opera House is one of the most beautiful buildings in the small town and can be rented out for special events throughout the year. The country music festivals and barbecue events held at the historic opera house have helped to keep a thriving spirit in the city. The Anson Opera House was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1963.
